Explore Milan's Stunning Montanelli Gardens

The Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, or "Indro Montanelli Public Gardens" were formerly known as the Giardini Pubblici and Giardini di Porta Venezia but were renamed after journalist and writer Indro Montanelli in 2002. A major and beautiful historic city park in Milan, in the Porta Venezia district, it was established in 1784 and is the oldest city park in Milan. The Gardens have grown in size and have had important buildings and institutions added to them over the years, such as the Natural History Museum and Planetarium, and a zoo that has since been closed down. As such, the park is a great tourist destination for the Gardens themselves and the other attractions that now live on the grounds as well. Once you have found a luxury villa in Lombardy and are exploring the city, the Montanelli Gardens really are a must-see.

Privately owned until the end of the 18th century when viceroy of Milan, Ferdinand, Duke of Breisgau, embarked upon a project of renewal in the city and decided to establish a city park, the Gardens were designed by architect Giuseppe Piermarini and completed between 1782 and 1786, mostly by prisoners serving life sentences. The original core is based on the design of French formal gardens, with geometric flower beds and tree-lined paths arranged to offer attractive perspective effects. Then, in the 19th century, there were enlargements under Giuseppe Balzaretto based on English landscape park models, which saw the addition of artificial hills, wooded areas and lakes. A Natural History Museum and Milan's Zoo followed in the 19th century and the Ulrico Hoepli Planetarium was added in 1929.

In 2002, the park was renamed and a statue of Indro Montanelli was added in honour of the popular journalist and writer who used to spend time in the park each morning before work, shortly after his death. It is located near where he was shot in 1977 by a terrorist group. Today, the park is a very popular spot in the city, attracting families, tourists, cyclists, joggers and many other groups. The park has three different children's play areas and an area with rides, a train, kiosks and bars including the Bar Bianco. In addition, numerous events take place in the park throughout the year.

No matter when you are visiting Milan, make sure to take time to explore the stunning park and all of the attractions it boasts - it is one of the most beautiful in Italy.