Milan Transforms Via Marina: Historic ‘Boschetti’ Green Space to Be Recreated
Milan, February 22, 2026 – Milan is embarking on a significant urban regeneration project in Via Marina, located in the Porta Venezia area, to restore the historic ‘Boschetti’ public promenade. This initiative will see the transformation of asphalted areas into green spaces, aiming to reconnect the city center with the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, one of Milan’s most historically significant urban landscapes.
The project, which will commence in the coming days, was unveiled on Saturday, February 21. It comes as a direct response to the severe hailstorm that struck the city in the summer of 2023, which heavily impacted the Via Marina area. The storm’s aftermath has provided an opportunity to entirely rethink the design of the street, drawing inspiration from its historical context and the vision of reconstructing the Boschetti promenade.
Less Asphalt, More Green: A Vision for Sustainable Urban Living
The regeneration plan focuses on converting gray, asphalted areas, often used for irregular parking, into permeable green spaces. This includes the reconstruction of the historic linden tree grove (‘Boschetto di tigli’) and the enhancement of the ‘Roggia Balossa,’ a canal that borders the Gardens of the Royal Villa.
Key aspects of the project include:
- Depaving: Approximately 4,000 square meters of paved surfaces will be removed and converted into draining surfaces and green zones.
- Circulation Reorganization: The project will address traffic flow, considering access to existing buildings and parking facilities.
- New Lighting: Modern lighting solutions will be installed to enhance the area’s aesthetics and safety.
- Monument Enhancement: Historic monuments within the area will be valorized as part of the overall redesign.
The initial phase of work, set to begin next week, will involve restoring the green parterre between Via Senato and the Bottonuto Obelisk. This includes the removal of damaged trees and the replanting of 93 Tilia Cordata specimens, each approximately 6-7 meters tall, arranged in a regular pattern reminiscent of the original 18th-century design. These will be complemented by an undergrowth of bulbs (Narcissus, Crocus) and groundcovers (Vinca minor, Hedera helix, Geranium sanguinium) around a central stone and crushed stone walkway.
An area of over 700 square meters, currently asphalted, will be returned to a permeable parterre. New irrigation and lighting systems are also part of this initial intervention.
Connecting History with the Future
The broader project, already integrated into the Three-Year Public Works Plan, will encompass the entire Via Marina, from Via Senato to Via Palestro. It envisions a comprehensive rethinking of pedestrian and road paths, green spaces, and the overall system of open areas. The goal is to restore the connection with the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, offering citizens a grand public space that has been lost over time.
The Municipality has engaged the technical and specialist consultancy of the Poliedra Consortium – Politecnico di Milano for this study. The executive design for the first phase of works was prepared by Mm, who will also be responsible for its execution.
This ambitious project underscores Milan’s commitment to urban sustainability and the preservation of its historical heritage, promising a greener, more accessible, and historically resonant city center for its residents and visitors alike.
Source: https://www.milanotoday.it/attualita/nuovo-parco-centro-milano-2026.html
