Apr 30, 2025

Alda Merini Bridge Milan

The most romantic bridge

"Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go and meet her in that district."

In the neighborhood Porta Genova, the most artistic side of the city, during the Middle Ages, a network of canals called Navigli was made. Nowadays, it's still an iconic place in the city and a must-see one. However, when you stroll along the network of canals, you should pay attention to the little bridges and, above all, to one of them, Ponte Alda Merini.

This beautiful bridge, where the lovers stick the locks on the grid with the initials of their names, was named in memory of one of the most important poets of Milano of the 1900s, who lived just in front of it. Her house, which nowadays is a foundation named after her, is just next to it. Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always there wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go to see and meet her in that district.

She wrote poems about love, life and mental illnesses. In fact, for some mental problems she had been diagnosed with, she passed through the Italian system of madhouses where people were treated with electroshock, which luckily was closed a couple of decades ago. After that experience, she became, with her poems, the European poetical voice of the marginalised people. So, while you take a spritz in a bar around there, take a look at this bridge!

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 47

no-price

Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Milan

Church of Saint Sebastian

Against the plague

One of the most interesting in the city, founded in 1576, it has the same structure as some Roman-Greek circular temples, "tholos" in ancient Greek.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Apr 30, 2025

Church of Santo Stefano

Or a crime scene

It was built in the V century around a stone, which beneath it had the relics of four Christian martyrs who were brutally tortured and then killed...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Apr 30, 2025

Villa Invernizzi

Secret Flamingo Oasis

Villa Invernizzi is an impressive Milan mansion with its own covey of pink flamingos. They spend their quiet lives in the garden, used to the attention.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Matteo

Banchi

Apr 29, 2025

Pinocchio's Statue

Reflection on Transformation

Though Pinocchio's statue is easy to overlook, it serves as a reminder of Milan’s deep connection to Italian culture, inviting us to see beyond the surface

002-building
Art & culture

by

Matteo

Banchi

Apr 29, 2025

Saint Peter Martyr's Column

Look Up: The Story

On Saint'Eustorgio square stands the statue of Saint Peter of Verona, the crual Inquisitor of Milan and Como, overseeing trials for witchcraft and sorcery.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Matteo

Banchi

Apr 29, 2025

African Oriental Craft

Treasures Hidden Gem

AOC's charm is not just in the goods but in the story behind them, shared passionately by the founder’s son and his wife, who now run the store.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Matteo

Banchi

Apr 29, 2025

Sulfur Water Fountains

A Glimpse into the Past

These fountains, both historic and functional, are reminders of Milan’s longstanding connection with mineral water—an overlooked aspect of the city’s past.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Matteo

Banchi

Apr 29, 2025

The 770 House

A Little Slice of Brooklyn in Milan

Casa 770 striking facade was built to bring a piece of Brooklyn’s spirit to Milan, it’s the only one in Europe, and now it serves as a cultural hub.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Matteo

Banchi

Apr 29, 2025

Bagnera Street

Milan's Darkest Alley

Locals say via Bagnera is haunted, with the wind carrying whispers of a gruesome legacy. Pause and imagine Milan’s hidden history in this quiet corner.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Matteo

Banchi

Apr 29, 2025

Backdoor43

Smallest, Most Mysterious Bar

Backdoor43 in Milan is life experienced through a whiskey glass. This is the smallest bar in the world. 3 people maximum for each session, booked in advance.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Matteo

Banchi

Apr 29, 2025

Tenoha Milano

Looks like Nippon, feels like Japan

"Tenoha Milano" has Nippon minimalism. No fluffy puff, no chichi, no HelloKitty. This place oozes craftsmanship, period. You'll wanna come back asap.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Michela

Susanna Maier

Apr 21, 2025

Chinese Box

Prime people watching

"Chinese Box" is a great place in Milan for people watching and aperitivo. Spend a couple of hours with a drink in hand at the 'terrace' and you'll know...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Apr 19, 2025

Heading to Milan?

185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

185 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Milan

Get to know our other Spotters from Milan

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
28
Filters