The Hill

The district known as "The Hill" is St. Louis' Italian district. Located just south of the vast Forest Park, the Hill serves as one of St. Louis' strongly ethnic communities. Many immigrants from northern Italy and Sicily settled in the Hill in the 1830s establishing a strong Italian presence in this great and historic city. The Hill is noted for its landmarks and as a hometown for sports stars. St. Ambrose Catholic Church is a noted landmark in the Hill. It was built in 1926 and modeled after its namesake in Milan. Baseball legends such as Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola grew-up in the historic district. Evidently, they both served as waiters at one of the local restaurants, Ruggeri's. And, four players on the 1950 U.S. Soccer team were from the Hill- this team is noted for beating England for the FIFA cup. You can also visit the Hill for its restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries. Noted restaurants include Rigazzi's and Cunetto's House of Pasta. For grocers, you can find J. Viviano and Sons and DiGregorio's. Amighetti's Bakery is an historic bakery dating back to 1921. It is mostly known for its famous "Amighetti's Special Sandwich" made with ham, roast beef, Genoa salami, brick cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, pepperoncini and Amighetti's secret recipe dressing on freshly baked Italian bread. You can also get pasta at Amighetti's. No more descriptions for my own sake; I am getting hungry!