Parco Forlanini

Parco Forlanini Milan: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Milan’s Historic Green Oasis

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Parco Forlanini is one of Milan’s largest and most cherished urban parks, seamlessly blending the city’s rural heritage with its modern aspirations for sustainability and recreation. Situated in the eastern part of Milan, this expansive green space is a living testament to the region’s agricultural roots and a showcase of contemporary ecological restoration. For locals and visitors alike, Parco Forlanini offers a multifaceted experience—whether you are drawn to its historic cascine, tranquil landscapes, active sports facilities, or community events, this guide will provide everything you need to plan an enriching visit.

(Comune di Milano; Milano da Vedere)

Historical Overview

Origins and Development

The origins of Parco Forlanini date back to the Lombardy agricultural countryside mapped in the 18th-century Teresian Land Registry. Remnants of this history—such as ancient irrigation canals and traditional farmsteads (cascine)—still shape the park’s landscape today.

Following World War II, as Milan’s urban expansion threatened these rural areas, a vision emerged to preserve a swath of countryside by transforming it into a public park. Architects Mercandino and Beretta brought this idea to life, designing the park as a harmonious “urban void” where the city’s industrial edge meets the gentle forms of the Lombard plain. Construction began in 1967, and the park officially opened in 1970.

(Ordine Architetti Milano; QuattroMilano)

Namesake

The park is named in honor of Enrico Forlanini, a Milanese engineer and aviation pioneer, reflecting Milan’s historical commitment to innovation and progress.

(Wikipedia)

Location and Getting There

Parco Forlanini lies in Milan’s eastern Zone 4, bordered by the districts of Ortica, Lambrate, and Forlanini. It is well connected:

By Public Transport:
- Metro: Lambrate (Line M2) and Forlanini FS (S5/S6)
- Bus: Lines 45, 73, 38
- Tram: Line 27
By Car: Accessible via Viale Enrico Forlanini, with limited parking.
By Bicycle: Integrated with Milan’s bike paths and BikeMi sharing stations.

(YesMilano; Webuild Group)

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:
Open daily from dawn to dusk (typically between 6:00/7:00 AM to 9:00/10:00 PM, depending on the season).
Admission:
Free entry for all visitors; no ticket required.

(Comune di Milano)

Accessibility and Facilities

Paths: Paved and natural trails suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles.
Entrances: Multiple, including Viale Enrico Forlanini, Via Corelli, Via Taverna, and Via Cavriana.
Restrooms: Available near main entrances and play areas.
Playgrounds: Several, catering to different age groups.
Sports Facilities: Soccer, rugby, tennis, bocce, fitness stations, jogging tracks.
Dog Parks: Fenced off-leash areas.
Cafés and Kiosks: Open seasonally.
Safety: Well-lit paths and emergency call points.

(QuattroMilano)

Highlights and Attractions

Historic Cascine

Parco Forlanini preserves several cascine (farmsteads), echoing Milan’s rural legacy:

Cascina Codovero: Known for its historic mill.
Cascina Cavriano: Dating to the 11th century, with a 17th-century portico and frescoes.
Cascina Sant’Ambrogio: Features the apse of a church from 1162.

(Milano da Vedere; YesMilano)

Natural Landscapes

Laghetto Salesina: Picturesque pond supporting aquatic life and birds.
Woodlands and Meadows: Home to native trees such as maple, elm, cedar, poplar, and oak.
Waterways: The Lambro River and irrigation canals border the park, creating tranquil walking and cycling routes.

Memorials

Bosco dei Faggi: Memorial forest with the “Dolore Infinito” sculpture, honoring victims of the 2001 Linate air disaster.

(Milano da Vedere)

Environmental and Community Significance

Biodiversity and Urban Ecology

Parco Forlanini is part of a larger ecological corridor linking to Parco Agricolo Sud Milano and Parco Lambro. The park’s flora and fauna offer a vital urban refuge for biodiversity, with recent reforestation efforts after the July 2023 storm restoring lost tree canopy and enhancing climate resilience.

(La Voce d’Italia; Webuild Group)

Community Life and Events

The park is a multicultural hub, especially on weekends, hosting informal sports (baseball, cricket), picnics, festivals, and educational workshops. Local groups and institutions organize guided nature walks, environmental seminars, and tree planting initiatives throughout the year.

(CALL Research Lab; Like a Local Guide)

Recent Restoration and Future Plans

After the 2023 storm, more than 500 new trees were planted, with ongoing upgrades to paths, safety infrastructure, and connectivity. Projects like new pedestrian/cycling bridges over the Lambro and integration with the expanding metro system are planned to further enhance accessibility and ecological value.

(Urbanfile; Politesi Polimi)

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Seasons: Spring and autumn for mild weather and blooming landscapes.
Weekdays: Quieter than weekends and holidays.
Picnics: Allowed in designated areas; bring your own food and water.
Pets: Dogs must be leashed except in designated areas.
Events: Check the official website or Audiala app for up-to-date event listings.
Accessibility: Main paths are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers; some natural trails may have uneven surfaces.

(Wanderlog)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the park’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily from dawn to dusk, with some seasonal variation.

Q: Is the park free to enter?
A: Yes, admission is free.

Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Yes, with designated off-leash areas.

Q: Is the park accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Main paths and facilities are accessible.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, seasonally—check the official website or Audiala app.

Nearby Attractions

Idroscalo Lake: Water sports and recreation.
Parco Lambro: Adjacent green space with additional trails.
Monluè: Historic district with a medieval abbey.
Ortica & Lambrate: Neighborhoods known for street art and local eateries.

Visuals and Interactive Resources

For maps, photo galleries, and virtual tours, visit the Comune di Milano’s official website or YesMilano.

Call to Action

Plan your visit to Parco Forlanini—Milan’s green heart where history, nature, and community meet. For real-time updates, guided tours, and interactive maps, download the Audiala app. Follow us on social media for news and exclusive content, and explore related guides to Milan’s parks and historical sites.