Giardini Indro Montanelli

Overview

Milan's oldest public park, the Giardini Indro Montanelli (formerly Giardini Pubblici), is a lush green haven between Porta Venezia and the city center, home to the Natural History Museum and the Planetarium.

Highlights

• Planetarium: The Ulrico Hoepli Planetarium, Italy's largest, offers regular astronomy shows beneath its 20-meter dome.
• Natural History Museum: A grand neo-Gothic building with dinosaur skeletons and mineral collections.
• Shaded Paths: Magnificent old-growth trees including cedars of Lebanon and plane trees.

History

Created in 1784 under Austrian rule, the gardens were designed by architect Giuseppe Piermarini (the same who designed La Scala). They were renamed in 2002 after journalist Indro Montanelli, whose statue stands at the entrance.

Visitor Tips

• Families: Excellent playground areas and a small train ride for children.
• Spring Colors: Visit in April-May when the wisteria and magnolias are in full bloom.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.