Give yourself a well-earned break from touring Milan’s major attractions and relax amid the peaceful confines of Indro Montanelli Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli). Join locals that come to walk and exercise along a trail that winds around a series of leafy lawns and geometric flowerbeds. Browse art collections and museum exhibits, learn about our solar system and spot interesting tree species.
Indro Montanelli Public Gardens stands on the ruins of two monasteries. It follows the design of a French formal garden and is the work of Giuseppe Piermarini, one of the architects of Teatro alla Scala. The park takes its name from Indro Montanelli, a writer and journalist that used to unwind here.
Prior to being a public space, the noble Dugnani family owned the land. Today, you can admire frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo in the family’s grandiose former residence, Palazzo Dugnani.
Look for monuments and memorials while you meander around the park. Among them are dedications to the geologist Antonio Stoppani, philosopher Antonio Rosmini and Montanelli.
Gaze up at soaring trees, including an ancient platanus, dawn redwood and false cypress. Sit on a bench, admire the greenery and watch the world go by as the children have fun on the swings and slides. Children can also enjoy a ride on a toy train.
Set aside some time to visit the Natural History Museum, home to a vast exhibition of botanical, mineralogy, paleontology and zoological artifacts. The Ulrico Hoepli Civic Planetarium hosts astrology projections in its 300-seat auditorium. Don’t miss the carved panels at the foot of the screen, which depict a 1930s Milan skyline.
Located to the north of Milan’s Centro Storico, the park is served by the Palestro, Porto Venezia, Repubblica and Turati metro stations. From Piazza del Duomo it’s a 20-minute walk.
Indro Montanelli Public Gardens is open daily, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit in May for the Orticola botanical flower show and in December for a Christmas market. Information about the opening hours and admission fees of the Natural History Museum and planetarium is available via their official websites.
