Milan’s skyline has a new face in the Porta Nuova district – a futuristic plaza ringed by skyscrapers and the remarkable “Vertical Forest” towers blending architecture with nature.
Full description: If you’re curious about Milan’s contemporary side, head to Porta Nuova – the business district north of Centrale Station that has been dramatically redeveloped in the last decade. The centerpiece is Piazza Gae Aulenti, a raised circular piazza opened in 2012 and surrounded by gleaming modern buildings. Here you’ll find the Unicredit Tower (Italy’s tallest building with a spire), fountains that dance to music in the evenings, public art installations, and plenty of benches and cafes where office workers and tourists mingle. It’s a world away from historic Milan – ultra-modern and vibrant, especially after dark when the skyscrapers light up. Just downstairs is a trendy shopping area (Corso Como 10 and others) and the new high-tech library and skyline views. The plaza often hosts events, markets, or outdoor exhibits, making it a dynamic space to visit.
A short walk from Piazza Gae Aulenti brings you to one of Milan’s most photographed innovations: the Bosco Verticale, or “Vertical Forest.” These are twin residential towers adorned with thousands of trees and plants – a pioneering vision of urban sustainability. Completed in 2014, Bosco Verticale’s balconies overflow with greenery, changing colors with the seasons and providing natural insulation for residents. The sight of these green-clad high-rises against the sky is truly striking (and has won architectural awards). While you can’t enter the private buildings, you can admire them up close from the street or the small park below, and appreciate how Milan is embracing eco-friendly design. Porta Nuova is very close to Hotel Aurelia – you can get there in 5 minutes by metro (one stop from Centrale to Garibaldi Station) or even walk ~15 minutes. It’s an easy excursion if you have some free time, especially in late afternoon or early evening. Grab a gelato or coffee in the piazza, enjoy the contrast of old and new Milan, and don’t forget to take a photo with the Vertical Forest – Milan’s most iconic modern landmark
