Giardini nascosti di Milano

Walking through the streets of Milan, it’s not uncommon to discover some precious green space. Alongside large parks like the Sempione Park and the Giardini Pubblici, Milan preserves hidden glimpses of greenery amidst the densely packed streets of its city center. Lush private gardens can often be glimpsed from the gates of downtown buildings, while genuine green spaces open to the public offer visitors moments of tranquility and relaxation.

If after a tour of museums or shopping you want to rest in the shade of a plane tree, a horse chestnut tree, or an oak tree, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, take a look at these suggestions.

Let’s begin with the Brera Botanical Garden (Via Brera, 28). Nestled between the buildings of central Milan, this small paradise filled with rare species has been a place of meditation and cultivation for the Jesuit Fathers since the 14th century. Today, the garden, managed by the University of Milan and open to the public since 2001, features dense flowerbeds with various species of plants and flowers and an arboretum with two 250-year-old Ginko Bilobas, the garden’s true patriarchs. Although spring and summer are the best seasons to visit, the garden maintains its charm and evocative atmosphere in all seasons, ensuring visitors a moment of enchantment and respite from the chaos of the city.

Not far from the Botanical Garden, at Via dei Giardini 7/9, are the Perego Gardens, the smallest landscaped or English-style park in Milan. Formerly owned by the Perego family of Cremnago, and now a public garden, the gardens are home to the 18th-century statue of Vertunno, god of gardens and fruit.

We continue our walk with the gardens of Villa Begiojoso Bonaparte, at Via Palestro 16. Here, after a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art (GAM) or the Pavilion of Contemporary Art (PAC) located inside the villa, you can relax in the neoclassical park, characterized by spacious lawns, ancient trees, shaded paths, statues and fountains: the ideal place for walks and outdoor picnics.

The Cloisters of the University of Milan at Via Festa del Perdono 7 are also particularly evocative, an oasis of beauty in the heart of the city, just steps from the Duomo. Here, a succession of courtyards with elegant porticoes, columns and arches surrounding lawns will immerse you in the history of the place. At the exit, among the trees of Largo Richini, there is a statue dedicated to Margherita Hack, the famous Italian astrophysicist.

Also nearby are the Guastalla Gardens (Via Francesco Sforza), among the oldest public gardens in Milan. They feature spacious lawns, flowerbeds and a central pond with a fountain. Inside, there is also a small neoclassical temple by Luigi Cagnola, an exponent of Milanese neoclassicism and the designer of Milan’s more famous Arco della Pace.

Another green area extends between Via Vivaio, Via Mozart and Via Serbelloni. Alongside the gardens of private homes visible from the gates, such as Villa Invernizzi with its flamingos (Via Cappuccini 7), a beautiful garden, open to the public during visiting hours, is that of Villa Necchi Campiglio (Via Mozart 14). Here, you feel like you’re immersed in a haven of peace and tranquility, breathing in the history of a Milanese family.

We conclude this brief overview with a recently constructed park, the Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi. While not hidden, it is surrounded by the new skyscrapers of Porta Nuova and has the charm of a modern garden, designed to combine green spaces and culture. Among various species of plants and shrubs and paths for walking and cycling, there are also themed areas such as the “Readers’ Forest,” where you can find a wide selection of books to read for free, and the “Sounds’ Forest,” an area dedicated to artistic performances.

A dynamic and vibrant city, Milan offers many hidden spots where you can stroll, read a book, stop and enjoy a meal.