Piazza Gae Aulenti

About Piazza Gae Aulenti

Piazza Gae Aulenti is one of the most stylish corners of Milan and a beautiful mix of modern Milan and historical landmarks. The square is located in the Porta Nuova district and is the city’s business center. The skyscrapers are built in such a way that it seems like they can stretch and bend in unusual ways. This circular square is dotted with popular shopping centers and restaurants with tall skyscrapers and some mesmerizing backdrops.

It looks like you are in a sci-fi movie. The Piazza is lit at night, and the trees, particularly, look wonderful in the evening. It also houses several art pieces, one of which is Alberto Garutti’s ‘Golden Trumpets. Once you are done exploring the Piazza, head to Corso Como—Italy’s trendy shopping street. The shopping center is bustling with top Italian restaurants and bars. If you are lucky, you might run into a celebrity here.

The highlight of Piazza Gae Aulenti, which draws tourists from all over, is the enchanting illumination show that kicks off at night. The Solar Tree, a striking feature at the center of the square, harnesses solar power to illuminate the entire area. Don’t forget your cameras to capture the stunning LED lighting and the fountain. 

The Unicredit Tower, the country’s tallest skyscraper, is another crowd-puller with its ever-changing LED lights. Vertical Forest, which is home to more than 2000 plant species, is another must-visit attraction here. There’s a fountain in the middle with walkways. Walk around the fountain or sit on the benches to enjoy a magical view of the light show.

History of Piazza Gae Aulenti

The area where the square sits was once a railyard, which remained unused for years. The construction of Piazza Gae Aulenti was a part of the Porta Nuova’s redevelopment project, which began in the early 21st century.

The construction project was assigned to Argentine architect César Pelli. The main purpose of building this square was to connect the major neighborhoods in the city. It doesn’t have a long history, as the Piazza was inaugurated quite recently in 2012. Since then, it’s served as the most stylish tourist spot with fancy music, light shows, and a stunning fountain. The innovative landscape adds to its futuristic charm.

Tips for your visit to Piazza Gae Aulenti

Here are a few tips from the tourists that will make your visit to the Piazza super fun and memorable.

• Visit the Piazza after evening to witness the light show.
• Local activities and events happen frequently here, so don’t miss out on these public shows.
• Get a panoramic view of the square from “The Island” Terrace
• This innovative square is surrounded by a park that houses multiple species of trees. Head there to unwind after shopping.
• Spring is the best time to visit the Piazza. The temperature is mild, and the overall atmosphere is pleasant. If you can handle the heat, the place also remains lively during summer.
• The Piazza remains crowded mostly, but if you want a quieter experience, consider planning a visit on weekdays.
• The square is a photogenic space, especially at night when the lighting show begins.
• Do not miss the view. The terrace offers a bird’ s-eye view of the Piazza and its surroundings.
• Wear comfortable clothing

Piazza Gae Aulenti Tickets

How to arrive at Piazza Gae Aulenti

Milan’s advanced transport system comprises several metro lines, trams, buses, and taxis that can take you to the Piazza. Here’s how you can reach:

Metro: Metro Line 5 drops you off at the Garibaldi station, which is closest to the Piazza. 

Bus: Many buses stop at the Garibaldi station. Ask locals about the bus schedules. Once you’ve reached Garibaldi, the destination is a few minutes walk away.

Tram Lines: You can take a tram that stops near the Piazza. Currently, Tram lines 2 and 4 serve this area.

Taxis and Car: You can also book a taxi to the Piazza. It will take you directly to the destination. Cars are another great option, but there’s limited parking available in the area. Avoid cars on weekends or when there’s a special event organized. 

You can also visit the Piazza on foot. It’s a 15-20 minute walk from Milan’s central station and even closer to Milan Garibaldi Station. If you are around these stations or in the center of the city, walking is a great idea.