La Biblioteca degli Alberi Milan
Milan's greenest area
It's not by chance that one of the newest parks in town is called "La Biblioteca degli Alberi di Milano", for it literally is a collection of thousands of plants and trees: a true library, or biblioteca, if you will.
About two years ago I was lucky enough to be able to go up to the 27th floor of the Diamond Tower, the BNP Paribas headquarters: works for the park were almost done at the time and this is the picture that I took that day.
What is so special about BAM today, though? The park was designed by Dutch designer Petra Blaisse and inaugurated in late 2018. Together with the acclaimed Bosco Verticale, the pair of residential towers that have plants and trees on-every-single-terrace, BAM represents a new model for greener cities. It's both family-friendly and dog-friendly, and has several different areas and itineraries, like a real botanical garden. All sorts of things happen here, from outdoor wellness classes to cultural events.
BAM is the most famous among many reforestation projects around Milan and is meant to be a space to re-discover nature and create a new identity for the future city: Milan has a very strong go-green attitude and this Library is a witness to that. And come springtime, the flowers blossoming are just a sight for sore eyes.
That is why more and more people choose BAM to start looking at Milan from a different perspective.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.
Cool 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.
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
Alda Merini Bridge – 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.
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
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...
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
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.
By
Matteo
Banchi
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.
By
Matteo
Banchi
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
By
Matteo
Banchi
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.
By
Matteo
Banchi
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.
By
Matteo
Banchi
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.
By
Matteo
Banchi
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.
By
Matteo
Banchi
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.
By
Matteo
Banchi
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.
By