The Monumental Plane Trees of Milan

When thinking of the large trees in the city of Milan, the species that immediately comes to mind is the plane tree (Platanus acerifolia). In parks and along avenues, the voluminous, light-coloured trunks, peculiarly spotted, are easily noticed.

Monumental specimens can be observed in all parts of the metropolis; beautiful plane trees dwell, for example, in the historic Affori district where, along the main thoroughfares and in the park of Villa Litta (now home to a library with a rich selection of titles), they amaze with their size. The most interesting specimens, however, are to be found in the Indro Montanelli Gardens.
 
In the historic and extensive city park, huge, centuries-old plane trees embellish the landscape. These include the largest plane tree in Milan, near the entrance from Piazza Cavour (the entrance characterised by the presence of the statue of the journalist after whom the green area is named). Clearly recognisable, having been protected with a wooden fence together with another monumental specimen, placid and majestic it continues its centuries-old growth in a beautiful green meadow. With a trunk circumference of more than 8 metres (diameter 265 cm) and a height of 24 metres, it is the perfect example of how plane trees are well adapted to the city, not least because of their excellent resistance to smog. 

A green monument that is accessible to the public during park opening hours.

(Ph: Luca Pernechele)