On Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, one of Milan’s most beloved venues opens its doors to a market featuring flowers, music, pop-up theater, and curated vintage finds. There are 52 exhibitors, readings aloud, games for children, and a bistro serving everything from brunch to aperitifs. In the evening, however, the program takes an unexpected turn: a soprano sings in the pool.
Flora et Decora brings 52 exhibitors from Lombardy to Porta Romana
The Bagni Misteriosi of the Franco Parenti Theater are transformed into an open-air spring garden. The occasion is the Spring Festival, featuring a special edition of Flora et Decora, the historic trade fair launched in 2013 at Sant’Ambrogio and recognized as a Regional Fair by the Lombardy Region.
Admission is €5, open to everyone. A great answer to the question “what to do in Milan this weekend” without having to take the highway.
Flowers, crafts, vintage items, and cheeses: what you’ll find at the Spring Festival
The more than 52 exhibitors, almost all from Lombardy, are divided into three sections:
- Flora — old and modern roses, Japanese maples, tillandsias, bonsai, citrus trees, succulents, and aromatic plants
- Decora — crafts in cotton, hemp, and bamboo; blown glass; nature-inspired jewelry; home and garden accessories
- Ristora — Lombardy cheeses, honey, fresh tortellini, taralli made with ancient grains, wine, sparkling wine, and extra virgin olive oil
Curated by Secondarium Milano, there is also an area dedicated to curated vintage clothing and second-hand design items. Perfect for those who love to browse at their own pace.
Saturday evening: a red maple for Ornella Vanoni and Carmen sung in the pool
Saturday afternoon begins with readings: from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Silvia Giulia Mendola and Fabio Zulli enliven the spaces in collaboration with the Orti Letterari Bookstore.
At 9:00 p.m., the Franco Parenti Theater plants a red maple in honor of Ornella Vanoni, a tree donated by weTree and Ilaria Borletti. Following this, readings by Rosita Celentano and Andrée Ruth Shammah from Piccole storie di Ornella V. (Castelvecchio ed.).
Grand finale with soprano Carmen Giannattasio and the Sincronette Water Ballet, performing in the pool to the live music of Bizet’s Carmen. Yes, right in the pool.
Sunday: market in the morning, Luciana Savignano and 70 dancers in the evening
Sunday’s readings take place in two sessions: from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p .m. In the Secret Garden, children and adults can participate in the Grandparents’ Games, led by the Parenti’s acting teachers.
At 9:00 p.m., the event closes in grand style with The Rite of Spring: étoile Luciana Savignano and 70 dancers from DanceHaus Susanna Beltrami perform outdoors.
Inside the Palazzina there is an installation by Giulio Paolini (with lithographs for sale)
Inside the Palazzina, visitors can see A.R.S. Scaenica, an installation by Giulio Paolini. Numbered and signed lithographs by the artist are available, along with four original collages for those who want to take home something more lasting than a bouquet of flowers.
Bistrot Gud is open all day (and there are free tastings)
Bistrot Gud serves breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, and aperitifs. The weekend includes free tastings of Sammontana gelato, yogurt with fruit or granola, and Cortilia taralli, while supplies last. Perfect for turning a quick visit into an entire afternoon.
How to get to the Bagni Misteriosi by metro, car, or bike
The Bagni Misteriosi are located at Via Carlo Botta 18, in the Porta Romana neighborhood. Here are all the options for getting there easily:
🚲 By bike: BikeMi stations nearby; the area is well-served by bike paths.
🚇 Metro M3 (yellow line), Porta Romana stop — a few minutes’ walk.
🚋 Trams 9 and 29/30, stop nearby.
🚗 By car: Area B zone; parking available on Via Muratori or Viale Isonzo.
