The Italian Forum in Norton St, Leichhardt

If you've been to Leichhardt in Sydney's Inner West, you should check out the Italian Forum on Norton St. It's a really unique and charming place.

Sadly, it doesn't seem to get much business these days. I have no idea why this is. Maybe it's got something to do with changing demographics or something.

It's got two main sections to it. Up above there are many units. And down below there are various specialty stores including restaurants, medical practitioners, and an acting college. There's even a great little library tucked away in the corner (check out the video below).

The most impressive aspects of the building are at the end of the corridor running off the street shown above. Quite amazing what they've done with that space ...

In the corner -- behind the red sign in the photo above -- there's a striking statue of the renowned pre-Renaissance poet Dante Alighieri surrounded by fountains.

I'm often in there, at the library, I'm always struck at how few people are there. It makes me wonder how the tenants actually manage to make a profit, or just break even! It's a shame, because it really is one of the most remarkable locations in the Inner West.

Please check out the video I made of it below.