It was the first example of an English garden in the city of Milan and houses a 50-meter-long neoclassical villa . This garden covers 24,000 m² in the heart of the city. You read that right. Hidden behind a discreet gate at , 5 minutes from Milan Cathedral, lies a lush park complete with beautiful fountains and elegant temples.
Walking along its paths, you will encounter ponds teeming with ducks and romantic wooden bridges, which will transport your mind to the enchanted atmosphere of an episode of Bridgerton – by the way, don’t miss the immersive musical experience exclusive to Milan, which will debut this Friday, March 13!
From Napoleon’s residence to art gallery
The majestic neoclassical villa that stands within the park was once the residence of noble lords and famous generals, including Napoleon’s family. The villa was designed in 1790 by Leopoldo Pollack at the behest of Count Ludovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso. Decorated by Andrea Appiani with crystal chandeliers, marble staircases, and neoclassical stuccoes, it remains one of the best-preserved 18th-century residences in Milan. Today, the villa houses the Milan Modern Art Gallery (GAM), which is often open to the public free of charge, for example on the first Sunday of the month.
It’s easy to get lost in the large garden surrounding Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte (or Villa Reale), but the Temple of Love, dedicated to Love and designed by Ercole Silva, is not to be missed, as is Wildt’s fountain Il santo, il giovane, il saggio (The Saint , the Young Man, the Wise Man), now protected in a small temple. Strolling through this secret corner in the center of Milan is completely free.
Where: Garden of Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte – Via Palestro, 16
Price: admission to the garden – free / GAM – €8 or free for children under 18, students, and people with disabilities
Hours: closed on Mondays, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.