Parco delle Cave: Milan's Urban Oasis
Discover Parco delle Cave, Milan's hidden gem: a sprawling urban park with lakes, trails, and a rich history waiting to be explored.
Parco delle Cave, one of Milan's more recent public parks, offers a unique blend of natural and architectural features. The park's history is rooted in the extraction of sand and gravel, which began in the 1920s and resulted in the formation of several lakes. By the 1970s, as quarrying activities declined, the area was earmarked for transformation into a public park, with the vision of creating a green lung for the city. The park now spans 135 hectares and includes four artificial basins, a pond, woodlands, streams, urban gardens, and agricultural areas. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it ideal for nature walks and wildlife observation. Visitors can spot various bird species, including herons, woodpeckers, and kingfishers. The park also features educational trails with information boards detailing the area's history and ecology. Within the park, you'll find the Cascina Linterno, a historic farmhouse dating back to 1154, and the still-active Cascina Caldera. Parco delle Cave is not only a recreational space but also a cultural hub, hosting various events throughout the year, including live music and open-air theater performances. The park is open to all, offering a peaceful retreat and a connection with nature.
Local tips
- Visit in the spring or autumn for the most pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
- Bring insect repellent, especially during the summer months, to protect against mosquitoes.
- Explore the park's educational trails to learn about its history and ecological transformation.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic areas.
- Consider renting a bike to explore the park's extensive trails and lakes.
A brief summary to Parco delle Cave
- Via Bianca Milesi, 2, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, 20152, IT
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
-
Public Transport
Parco delle Cave is accessible via Milan's public transportation. The Bisceglie metro station (Line M1) is close to the park. From Milano Centrale Station, take the M5 subway line to San Siro Stadio. Alternatively, take bus line 91 from the train station to Lotto, then transfer to bus line 49 to reach the park. A single ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes. A 24-hour ticket costs €7.60.
-
Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Milan and can take you directly to Parco delle Cave. From Milano Centrale Station, a taxi ride to the park typically takes around 15 minutes. Taxi fares in Milan start at €4.10 during the weekday, with a per kilometer charge of €1.32. Expect to pay between €19-€23 for a trip from the central station. Keep in mind that fares may increase at night or on public holidays.
-
Driving
If driving, there are several parking options near Parco delle Cave. You can find parking lots near the supermarket on Via delle Forze Armate or on Via Roberto Rossellini. Parking availability may be limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Be aware of Milan's Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL); Area C requires a €5 daily ticket. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay a few euros per hour.
