Public Gardens Indro Montanelli

The Public Gardens Indro Montanelli, located in the Porta Venezia district in Milan, represent one of the oldest and most beloved green areas in the city. Inaugurated in 1784 by Emperor Joseph II of Austria, these gardens were designed by the neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini, also known for the Teatro alla Scala. The gardens are an example of how eighteenth-century urban planning integrated nature and architecture to create spaces for leisure and beauty. Piermarini’s original design envisioned a strict and symmetrical layout, inspired by French gardens, with tree-lined avenues, geometric flower beds, and fountains. This design reflected the principles of the Enlightenment, which promoted order and rationality even in green spaces. However, over the years, the gardens underwent various modifications and expansions that partially changed their original appearance. In the nineteenth century, Giuseppe Balzaretto, a famous landscape architect, was tasked with expanding and restructuring the gardens according to the English garden model. This new approach favored a more natural and picturesque look, with winding paths, artificial hills, and lakes. The introduction of exotic plant species further enriched the park’s biodiversity, making it an ideal place for walks and outdoor activities. A cultural and historical landmark is the Civic Museum of Natural History, inaugurated in 1893 and designed by the architect Giovanni Ceruti in a neo-Romanesque style. The museum houses a vast collection of geological, paleontological, zoological, and botanical specimens, offering visitors a fascinating journey through natural history. This building is not only a reference point for natural science enthusiasts but also a symbol of Milan’s contribution to culture and scientific knowledge. In 1930, another significant addition to the gardens was the Ulrico Hoepli Planetarium, designed by Piero Portaluppi. This planetarium, the largest in Italy, is a center for astronomical education that has inspired generations of students and astronomy enthusiasts. Its celestial projections and scientific lectures have made the planetarium a highly attractive place for the Milanese public and beyond. A crucial event in the recent history of the gardens was the name change in 2002, in honor of the renowned journalist and writer Indro Montanelli. Montanelli, known for his critical spirit and independent thinking, was a regular visitor to the gardens, where he enjoyed walking and reflecting. A bronze statue of Montanelli, created by the sculptor Vito Tongiani, was placed in the gardens near the spot where the journalist was wounded by the Red Brigades in 1977. This monument not only commemorates Montanelli’s figure but also symbolizes freedom of expression and civil courage. In addition to their historical and cultural significance, the gardens are an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Milan. With an area of 172,000 square meters, they offer spaces for relaxation, sports, and entertainment. They are frequented by joggers, families, and children who can enjoy the numerous playgrounds and sports facilities. The variety of trees and plants, including maples, cedars, ginkgoes, and horse chestnuts, creates a lush and rejuvenating environment. The garden is adorned with numerous statues and monuments celebrating historical and artistic figures. Among these, the statues of Emilio De Marchi and Giuseppe Balzaretto stand out, further enriching the park’s artistic value. The coffee pavilion, originally designed by Giuseppe De Finetti and later transformed into a nursery school, adds an additional touch of charm to the area. Another attraction of the gardens is the artificial lake, designed by Balzaretto and expanded by Alemagna at the end of the nineteenth century. This body of water, located in front of the Palazzo Dugnani, an eighteenth-century villa hosting temporary art exhibitions, offers a picturesque setting for romantic walks or moments of contemplation.