Milan, Italy's economic epicentre, can be very hectic, stressful, busy, full and loud - just like every other metropolis. At the same time, Milan is not exactly the greenest city one could imagine. Spots to relax, re-charge one's battery and have a moment of silence and contemplation are rare.
All the more necessary and precious is a place like the Enso-Ji Zen monastery in a quiet side street on the edge of the Navigli neighbourhood. From the outside, the place in the backyard of an apartment house couldn't be less spectacular. But never judge a book by its cover! Once inside, Enso-Ji is a refuge from the energy-draining urban hustle and bustle. The interior design is authentically Japanese - reduced simplicity and pureness, nothing in there that would distract meditators from being mindful.
Zazen (meditation session) takes place three times a week (after work or early morning). The meditations are guided by Italian volunteer monks and nuns, all of them ordained in Japan. After 90 minutes of combined seated and walking meditation, everybody leaves way more serene and concentrated than when they came in. The atmosphere is very conducive to being mindful and focused. I've only met co-meditators doing their very best not to distract or disturb others. Even more important, there is no better environment to meditate than together with like-minded folks. The vibes created by a meditation group are by far more intense than just sitting on a cushion alone at home. My favourite place in Milan!
Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
During the 20th century, it became one of the most important shops in the city, specialising in selling branded clothes, above all famous Italian brands.
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It was built in 334 a.c, in a period when Milan or Mediolanum, the Latin name of the city, was the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
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The first one was made in 1630, in place of the house of Gian Giacomo Mora, who was a barber, and it's still there today on the road that bears his name.
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There are two types of people: those who take Aperol and those who take Campari. But what's the difference? Read to find out...
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This restaurant is one of those which is resisting and still gives the possibility to have delicious traditional pizzas at affordable prices.
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Mitú is a place I would enthusiastically recommend to a friend seeking a charming atmosphere, great cuisine and attentive and knowledgeable staff.
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The Church of Sant'Ambrogio, built this church in the 5th century AD, is an important church because it was built by the patron of the city, Ambrogio.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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