Indro Montanelli Gardens: Milan's Green Escape

The Indro Montanelli Gardens, also known as Giardini Pubblici, provide a refreshing green space in the heart of Milan. Inaugurated in 1786, they are the city's oldest public park, originally designed by Giuseppe Piermarini in the style of a French garden. The gardens were later expanded, incorporating English landscape elements like hills, streams, and artificial lakes. Spanning over 172,000 square meters, the gardens offer a variety of attractions and activities. Visitors can explore the Natural History Museum, the Ulrico Hoepli Planetarium, and the Palazzo Dugnani, which features frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The park also includes playgrounds, walking trails, and benches for relaxation. The gardens are named after Indro Montanelli, a renowned Italian journalist and writer who frequented the park. A statue of Montanelli can be found near the entrance from Piazza Cavour. The park's history is rich, with the land originally belonging to the Dugnani family and later transformed into a public space by Archduke Ferdinand. Today, the Indro Montanelli Gardens remain a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban environment. Whether you're looking to jog, picnic, visit a museum, or simply relax under the trees, the gardens provide a welcoming oasis in the heart of Milan.