Parco delle Basiliche in Milan

Parco delle Basiliche is situated in the southern inner city of Milan which makes it very easily accessible even on foot. The name was given to the park because of its vicinity to the two prominent basilicas of Sant Eustorgio and San Lorenzo. Until 1840, the square was used for public hangings of condemned commoners. Not a very old park, Parco delle Basiliche has its roots in the city planning from 1934 when the authorities decided to clear up some of the buildings that surrounded the basilica San Lorenzo and also to drain the swampy land at the behind the church.

Thus, the Vetra square was constructed, that has its name from the craftsmen tanners called vetraschi. This square holds a very interesting hot spot for history lovers - the Roman Columns in front of the basilica that were taken from a 2nd-century temple and moved to its current place sometime around the 4th Century. Later on, in the 1970s, the team of architects Bagatti, Valsecchi and Grandi designed what is today Parco delle Basiliche as a public green space. The area of the park covers about 41 square metres and presents a variety of tree species such as oaks, elm trees, birches and others.