Local culture: Neighborhoods
Quadrilatero del Silenzio - A Stroll You Won't Forget!
Why Nicholas loves this neighborhood
Home to millions of people, sometimes it gets hard to find quietness in Milan. Many people (some locals included!) describe this city as too hectic and find it really hard to relax and just stroll enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Well, I'm quite sure these people have not heard of the Quadrilatero del Silenzio (roughly translatable as "Quarter of Silence"), a neighborhood where nothing happens and I mean it in the best possible way.
If you don't find the name itself so exciting, let me tell you that it's not just about the silence, which in any case is a very rare thing in the downtown of a metropolis (less than 20 minutes walk from the main square). The reasons why this neighborhood is so worth a visit are the muffled atmosphere (it's like stepping back of a 100 years!) and the fascinating luxurious mansions spreaded all over the place. Most of these buildings are immaculate and perfectly preserved, a few others are completely or partially covered by ivy and if that's not romantic than what is? Moreover, there are great examples of the beautiful architecture of the first few decades of the 19th Century, namely art-deco, some of which can be visited inside on specific occasions and dates.
Things you should not miss
If you're wondering if it's worth going there JUST for a stroll the answer is: YES. As incredible as it sounds this area is very unique and reflects the true soul of Milan which is so often forgotten. One more reason to go? It's just a short walk away from the Cathedral, the Galleria and the La Scala Theater, the most famous highlights of the city.
If you get the chance, pay a visit to the beautiful Villa Necchi Campiglio, a beautiful mansion built in the first 20 years of the last century and sip a great coffee in the lush garden. If you're lucky, you could also spot a family of flamingos. What? Flamingos in Italy? You read it right, they've been brought here from overseas more than 20 years ago and now they're 100% Milanese.
Not bad for a sleepy neighborhood huh?
Piazza Eleonora Duse, 3, 20122 Milano MI, Italia