Basilicas Park

The Park of the Basilicas, located in the heart of Milan, represents a green oasis full of history and culture. This park, also known as Park Pope John Paul II, extends between two of the oldest and most significant churches in the city: the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio. Its creation dates back to the 1930s, when the area was transformed from a predominantly industrial area into a green space for the citizens of Milan. The Park of the Basilicas was conceived as a connection between the two basilicas, creating a path that unites the sacred and the everyday in a blend of nature and spirituality. The Basilica of San Lorenzo, one of the oldest in Milan, with its characteristic Columns of San Lorenzo dating back to Roman times, dominates the north entrance of the park. The basilica, with its imposing colonnade and the evocative chapel of Sant’Aquilino, is a place of great charm and spirituality. At the opposite end of the park is the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio, famous for housing the relics of the Three Wise Men and the beautiful Ark of St. Peter Martyr, a work by Giovanni di Balduccio. This church, with its richly decorated side chapels and tranquil cloister, offers visitors an atmosphere of contemplation and reflection. The park itself is a place of great beauty and tranquility. Its tree-lined avenues, well-kept flower beds, and elegant fountains offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The landscaping project, conceived in the 1930s, was designed to enhance the historical and archaeological remains, creating a harmonious dialogue between nature and architecture. The park has been renovated and expanded over the years, always maintaining its role as a green lung in the heart of Milan. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Park of the Basilicas is its ability to unite different historical epochs in a single space. Roman ruins, medieval basilicas, and modern structures coexist in perfect balance, telling the millennia-old story of Milan. Walking in the park means immersing oneself in a journey through time, discovering traces of the past and testimonies of an extraordinary cultural heritage. One of the most curious anecdotes related to the park concerns the Columns of San Lorenzo, which according to legend were brought to Milan by the Emperor Theodosius as spoils of war. These columns, symbols of the power and glory of ancient Rome, were then integrated into the Christian context of the basilica, representing a perfect example of historical and cultural continuity.