With the warm season just around the corner, gardens and parks are filled with lush blooms and nature is always verdant. If the idea of taking some time for yourself and taking a trip out of town under the banner of nature and its magical colors appeals to you, we point out 10 gardens, parks, botanical gardens to visit in and around Lombardy, maximum 2 hours from Milan.
Table Of Contents
Brera Botanical Garden
Staying in Milan, you cannot miss the botanical garden in the list. Not exactly an out-of-town excursion, but it is a green area that must be visited at least once in Milan. A secret garden in the heart of the city, a green lung with more than 1,000 plant species from around the world. In the 18th century it served as a real Botanical Garden with the function of high scientific education in which to study the medicinal species grown within its walls. Today it is a university museum where biodiversity is protected and knowledge of plant sciences is disseminated. It was established back in 1774 at the behest of Maria Theresa of Austria. A place rich in history and beauty to discover, and then getting in is free so it deserves even more no? More info on hours, visits, and all the curiosities you brood can be found on the website.
Where: Via Brera, 28. The garden follows these hours: Mon – Sat non-holiday, 10am – 6pm (April 1 to Oct. 31), Mon – Sat non-holiday, 9:30am – 4:30pm (Nov. 1 to March 31)
Lorenzo Rota Botanical Garden
In the picturesque setting of Bergamo’s Upper City, hidden inside the Venetian Walls, sui is another Botanical Garden. 1,200 types of plants in just 2,400 square meters: from lotus blossom to papyrus to Madagascar palm, here you will find native, Mediterranean and exotic species divided into small habitats that reproduce their natural conditions and also carrying out the reintroduction of endangered species. An oasis of peace made even more enchanting by the fact that there are no cars, the Lorenzo Rota Botanical Garden can only be reached on foot. More info here. Free admission.
Where: Scaletta Colle Aperto, 24129 Bergamo BG. Open daily from March to November from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Botanical Garden Hotel Villa Cipressi
In a fairytale setting along the shores of Lake Como stands this hotel of admirable finesse and elegance. This enchanting place gives a dreamy view of Bellagio, enchanting anyone who observes it.
The extraordinary villa offers its guests a refined experience in a magical setting. And it is right here that a garden of wonders is located. A park of unique beauty and priceless cultural value. The Villa Cipressi botanical garden is a jewel that tells the story of the biodiversity of every area of the country, a mix of contemporary architecture and ancient gardens. A true green journey, a destination for scholars and enthusiasts, as we read online. Hours vary by period:March 7 to March 31 – daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – April 1 to April 17 – daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – April 18 to October 19 – daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Full price 10 euros, discounts for over65, ICOM, FAI, Touring club members, children 5-15 years old. Free 0-14 years.
Where: Via 4 Novembre 18, Varenna (LC)
Botanical Garden of Villa Carlotta
To stay on the theme of villas overlooking Lake Como, it is only right to talk about the Villa Carlotta Botanical Garden. Spring here undoubtedly gives unparalleled scenery with the blooms of azaleas and rhododendrons that make it world famous. Imagine a beautiful day: the blue sky, the warmth of the sun, the green and bright colors of the plants and the emerald lake in front of you, this is not a fairy tale but a destination to be discovered not too far from Milan.
The ticket to the Botanical Garden also includes a visit to the Museum. Comfortable shoes are recommended. 15 euros the adult. Children get in free, discounted for over65 and students ages 6 to 18 and 19 to 25. Hours vary by period: March 21 to Oct. 19, 2025, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (last ticket at 6 p.m., museum closing at 6:30 p.m.), Oct. 20 to Nov. 9, 2025, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last ticket at 5 p.m., museum closing at 5:30 p.m.) – Nov. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, 6, 7, 8, Dec. 2025, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (last ticket at 3:30 p.m.)
More info online
Where: Via Regina, 2 – 22016 Tremezzina
Loc. Tremezzo, Como
Visconte Gardens
Among the parks, gardens and botanical gardens worth mentioning is this one, the Visconte Gardens, an oasis of wonders. Within it is a 52-hectare farm where the owner began by starting with a farmstead and a lot of corn land. Today after a transformation that lasted many seasons he works with industriousness and great passion for flowers, trees and innovative crops. Now Visconte Gardens is a paradise for peonies. As many as 30,000 square meters of land dedicated to them in every color. Expanses of peonies as far as the eye can see. A great range of colors, from the delicate pinks of the Sarah Bernhardt peonies, to the snow-white of the Duchesse de Nemours, alternating with the deep red of the Red Charm and the orange hues of the Coral Sunset and Coral Charm, to the cream nuances of the Bowl of Crem.
Note: We reported the garden because it is worthy and wonderful but for this year it will not open as you read online. Peony production is very high and they prefer to focus on harvesting. Visits are closed for the time being.
Scherrer Park
We leave Italy and move to Morcote, Switzerland, where we find the Scherrer Park , nicknamed the Garden of Wonders just an hour from Milan. The epithet is due to the fact that within this garden are truly wonders. In addition to a rich, almost paradisiacal vegetation, inside you will find works of art that will take you far away: For example, the Erechtheion, the second temple of the Acropolis of Athens, brought back to 1:4 scale, supported by magnificent caryatids. Or, through a bamboo forest, the Egyptian temple of Nefertiti . And then statues inspired by classical myths such as Venus, Juno, Jupiter and Mercury. And again, an Arab house and Indian mansions painted in the Mughal style.A magical place, out of time, in which to immerse yourself and experience unique moments.
Admission is free and you can visit from 15.03.2025 – 30.04.2025,10:00 – 17:00 (daily), 01.05.2025 – 30.09.2025
10:00 – 19:00 (daily), 01.10.2025 – 09.11.2025
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (daily)
Being the garden of wonders near Milan, it is perfect for a day trip out of town.
Where: Riva di Pilastri 20, 6922 Morcote, Switzerland
Park – Sigurtà Garden
Back in Italy about two hours from Milan in the province of Verona we find this huge lush oasis that has been awarded several times as the most beautiful in the world. In warm weather it is an explosion of colors and flowers. Tulips, peonies, sunflowers, lotus flowers, irises, dogwoods, water lilies, dahlias, hydrangeas, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, begonias. It looks like Eden and that is why it should be visited at least once in a lifetime. In addition to the festival dedicated to tulips( Tulipanomania) inside Sigurtà Park there are many things to admire, a labyrinth, the big oak tree, the dog cemetery, the garden of medicinal plants, the grotto with the Madonna of Lourdes and many other picturesque corners.
On March 8, admission will be free for women.Sigurtà Garden Park is open daily from March 8 to November 9, 2025, with continuous hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry at 6 p.m.). During March, October and November, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entrance at 5 p.m.). Full ticket 18 euros, discounts Over65, for children 5 to 14. Free for 0 to 4 years old. Buy here.
The Rose Garden
Are you lovers of roses? Then go for a magical walk among thousands of specimens in the province of Varese inside Villa Della Porta Bozzolo . Here you will find a monumental Italian garden: an original setting of stone-carved terraces that go up the hill to the large green lawn of the “theater,” with the fishpond and a steep path to the scenic belvedere.
Tickets can be done online: 18 euro full price ticket. Discounts for FAI members, residents, students 6-18 and 19-25. 0-5 years old admission is free.
Hours: March 9 at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
March 29 at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
April 13 at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The villa is not always open, but you can take advantage of FAI spring days to access it and discover a paradise.
Where: Viale Senatore Camillo Bozzolo, 5, 21030 Casalzuigno VA
Roseto Niso Fumagalli
Another rose paradise garden is the “Niso Fumagalli” Rose Garden inside the Villa Reale in Monza. The rose garden is divided into different zones: a large part of the collection is made up of modern roses, but there is also a fair collection of old varieties, arranged along the gate, on the arches of a gazebo, on the walkway that crosses the water mirror and along the privet hedge. The context created is truly something not to be missed and a visit is not to be missed. An open-air natural museum.
You can visit the park with free guided tours. Admission is free, Tuesday’ through Friday’ from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, closed Monday.
Where: Villa Reale, 20900 Monza MB
Pallavicino Park
We now move to the shores of Lake Maggiore where we find Pallavicino Park. This park stretches along the lakefront of Stresa, not too far from the city center. The Pallavicino villa was founded as a private residence in 1855, and the family of the same name adorned the park with statues, transforming the simple dwelling into the splendid 19th-century neoclassical villa that still stands on the hill with its incredible park. It currently has 18 hectares in which flora and fauna coexist harmoniously: in addition to the beautiful garden with lawns, colorful plants, and colorful blooms, the park is famous for its trees: century-old chestnuts and giant liriodendrons among the oldest in Italy, red beeches, maples, larches, ginkgo bilobas, redwoods, magnolias, and the presence of animals such as zebras, kangaroos, the antigone crane, flamingos, and a farm where you are allowed to pet Tibetan goats, llamas, etc. for a playful moment. Flower lovers will also be pleased, finding blooms that last all summer long.
Opening hours
Season 2025: Daily from March 15 to November 2 as below:
- March 15 to Oct. 25: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission)
– Park closure: 6 p.m. - Oct. 26 to Nov. 2: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry)
– Park closure: 5 p.m.
Tickets range from 126-17 euros depending on the type chosen, discounts for Over65, children 6-15 and children 3-5.
Where: ia Sempione Sud, 8, 28838 Stresa VB