Even if you whisper your secrets while you’re inside the Ear of Dionysius in Sicily (in Italian: Orecchio di Dionisio or Orecchio di Dionigi), everyone will hear them, no matter whether they are close to you or at the furthest end of the cave. This man-made rock formation in Syracuse (southern Sicily) is designed so that even the slightest mumble is amplified clearly.

The Ear of Dionysius in Syracuse, Sicily | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

The rumor:

Rumor has it that the local tyrant Dionysius I of Syracuse ordered the huge grotto hewn into the rocks to keep prisoners inside. The opening in the ceiling was specially designed for the tyrant to overhear the prisoners whispering their dirty secrets. Another, more disturbing version of the story says the perfect acoustics served as an ancient microphone for the screams of the prisoners.

The truth:

As interesting as this portrayal of the cunning ruler may be, there has been no proof that it really happened. Archaeologists have found out that the cave was in fact used to provide water storage for Syracuse. The entrance of the cave was formed after a major earthquake caused one of the walls to collapse and, for obvious reasons, it was no longer possible to store water here.

What you’ve missed:

Earlier in the tourism history of the Ear, it was possible to get to that tiny opening in the ceiling of the cave and, copying Dionysius, actually hear for yourself the secrets people were whispering down in the pit. For safety reasons, access to the opening was later forbidden.

Fun fact:

Italian painter Caravaggio visited the cave during his trip to Sicily and is suspected by many historians to be the author of the rumor that Dionysius tortured his prisoners there. While Caravaggio was on the island, he painted a few of his most famous works, including The Burial of Saint Lucia in the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia on Piazza Duomo in Syracuse. You can enter the church for free to admire the impressive painting.

Burial of Saint Lucia by Caravaggio (1608)

The challenge:

When I visited the cave, there was an opera singer in one of the tourist groups next to me. At one point the lady burst into song, creating some hauntingly beautiful tones that echoed in a most amazing way for a few seconds. So, the challenge is: get to the bottom of the cave and sing your favorite song in full voice. You can record it to remember the experience.

How to get to the Ear of Dionysius:

The Ear of Dionysius is located in the Greek archaeological complex in Syracuse (when you enter, just follow the signs for the Ear). The ticket for the whole complex – which consists of an ancient amphitheater, a rock-hewn fountain and many limestone formations – costs 10 euros. Spare at least three hours for the site. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat as the sun is merciless and there are few places to hide from it.

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This collection of interesting off-the-beaten-path places in Sofia (all recommended by locals!) will take you on an amazing adventure to spots sometimes forgotten even by those who live there. From cozy reading places to the biggest collection of dolls in Bulgaria, and even an original piece of the Berlin Wall, here they are (map below!):

1. Go down into the Catacombs of Saint Sofia Basilica 

Saint Sofia is an important stop of your Sofia tour for at least three reasons:

1. Sofia was named after this basilica, which used to tower on a hill outside the town.

2. Although the church doesn’t look like anything special at first sight, go down the stairs at the left and you will enter a labyrinth of a Roman necropolis that existed here before the church’s construction. Spare at least half an hour for a walk through the Catacombs (there are short movies providing historical background screening down there, too). 

3. You have a special challenge: find the bell tower of the church! *[you’ll be rewarded with the vital clue to this challenge at the end of the article].

Another part of the necropolis, with a separate entrance right opposite the church (but accessible with the same ticket!), is the colorfully decorated Tomb of Honorius. This is one of the newest sights in Sofia, and the only late-antiquity tomb discovered in Bulgaria with its occupant’s name inscribed on it.

Address: 2, Paris Str., Sofia

2. Make a wish at the Russian Church

This golden-domed, Russian-style church is one of the highlights of a trip to Sofia. While most people take a photo and walk on, your challenge is to enter the church (not from the main entrance but from the side door to the left) and write your wish on a piece of paper. Then you should put it in a special box and hope for the late bishop Serafim to work his miracles.

Address: 3, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia

3. Have a beer and play chess at the park in front of the National Theater

… which is in fact officially called the City Garden, but nobody uses its official name – it’s known as the Park in front of the National Theater, and it’s the oldest public garden in the capital. This is where the youth of Sofia gathers for a beer in summer and old men play (and quarrel over) chess all year round. In December, the park hosts the city’s most famous Christmas market.

Address: 5, Dyakon Ignatiy Str., Sofia

4. Find something golden and naked on the facade of the National Theater

While you sip your beer in the company of the local society of chess players, you have another challenge to complete. This is something few Sofia dwellers have noticed on the facade of one of the most beautiful buildings in Sofia. Take a careful look at the figures adorning the National Theater; you’ll spot an angel, whose tiny body part is golden AND suffers from a lack of pants.

Address: 5, Dyakon Ignatiy Str., Sofia

5. Read Bulgarian authors in English at Chitalnyata (The Reading Room)

If you like to read and a glass pavilion in the City Garden sounds like the perfect place to do it, the literary hub of Chitalnyata (ЧиталнЯтА, meaning the Reading Room) is exactly what you need on a rainy day (or in the baking heat of summer). Here you can read books by Bulgarian authors in English, get inspiration from beautiful albums showing photos from Bulgaria or ask for tourist information about Sofia.

Address: 4, Knyaz Alexander I Sq., Sofia

6. Explore the history of Sofia at an interactive exhibit

If you want to learn something about the history of Sofia, the Sofia History Museum offers a fun walk through the past of the city.

Your particular challenges are:

1. Get on (half of) a retro tram to see a movie about the history of trams.

2. Flip through the interactive boards to see old photographs of how people used to dress and what Sofia looked like a century ago.

3. Admire the golden chariot of the Bulgarian King Ferdinand, his golden desk, thrones and a Mercedes from 1905.

4. Find out which Roman emperor was quoted as saying “Sofia is my Rome”. 

5. Go out of the building, turn left and drink mineral water for free from the tap on the museum’s wall. 

Address: 1, Banski Sq., Sofia

7. Feel like a child at the Dolls Museum

Remember your childhood or just stop by for a look at the biggest collection of dolls in Bulgaria – more than 3,000 dolls of all sizes and all ages await you at The Dolls Museum and Art House. In addition, you can also make a doll yourself (if you make a reservation in advance).

Your particular challenge is to find the tiniest doll in the collection.

Address: 34, Tsar Samuil Str., Sofia

8. Touch a piece of the original Berlin Wall

On May 16, 2006, the citizens of Berlin gave a piece of the original Berlin Wall to the citizens of Sofia as a sign of peace and good will. Today the piece is located a one-minute walk from the National Palace of Culture (see the map below).

Fun fact: a few years ago, it was mistakenly painted by municipality workers who thought the graffiti on the monument had been scrawled by local vandals. Afterwards, the original drawings had to be restored. 

9. Try Bulgarian wines at Vino Orenda

Vino Orenda is the only wine shop in Sofia that sells only Bulgarian wines, produced mainly by small family wineries. The knowledgeable shopkeeper will give you the best advice based on your preferences. They often hold themed wine-tasting evenings dedicated to various wine regions or grape varietals. Wine tasting is available upon request too (send them a message on their Facebook page).

Address: 50A, Makedonia Blvd., Sofia

10. Climb a 2,290-m (7,513-ft) peak only a 30-minute drive from Sofia

Sofia is lucky enough to have the high Vitosha mountain only a short drive from the city center, and it’s possible to climb its highest peak – Cherni Vrah – in a day. You can a) take the chairlift from Dragalevtsi district and then hike for around an hour to the peak or b) climb all the way from the outer districts of Sofia to the peak. In both cases, it’s a good idea to take a map or a local with you (on a sunny day, you’ll meet many hikers on the various routes, so you can always ask for directions). There’s a tea house on the top, but expect to wait an eternity for a hot meal or a cold beer.

BONUS: The Buddhist stupa

Although Bulgarians are Orthodox Christian, there is one Buddhist stupa built near the village of Plana. (Read more information about the Buddhist stupa here)

Map of the spots mentioned:

*Answer to the whereabouts of the bell tower of Saint Sofia Basilica: The church doesn’t have a bell tower and the bell is tied to a tree branch against the main entrance.

READ MORE ABOUT BULGARIA

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Discover the most unusual and memorable things to do in Baku, along with a few hidden gems revealed by Zornitsa, who currently lives in the city. Here’s her list of 10 fun travel challenges that will turn your exploration of Baku – the capital of Azerbaijan – into an exciting game.

#1 Hire a bike and enjoy a refreshing ride along the seafront

© Zornitsa Apostolova

Hire a bike from the Velopark (located right next to the National Flag Square) and enjoy a breathtaking ride along the Caspian Sea. If you want to experience the cityscape to the fullest, you might consider going for your ride at sunset. This way you will be able to marvel at the fascinating city lights and allow the pleasant sea breeze to blow all your worries away. You can bike around the Crystal Hall (the building of Eurovision 2012), explore the National Flag Square and even make a full tour of the beautiful Baku Boulevard (which is 26 km long and also known as the National Park).

#2 Find the girl with the umbrella

Find the girl with the umbrella in Fountains Square in downtown Baku. Make sure you take a picture with her to remind you of the beautiful girls of Baku. (Hint: it’s close to McDonald’s)

Liked that? Find the ‘lipstick girl’ sitting on a bench right behind this fountain:

© Zornitsa Apostolova

#3 Drink Azeri tea in the old city

You just can’t visit Azerbaijan and not taste traditional Azeri tea. While taking a walk in the Old City (İçərişəhər, pronounced Icheri Shekher), take the time to sit in one of the many cafes and restaurants and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea served in the traditional Azeri way (in special tea glasses, with lemon, sugar cubes, sweets, candies and jam).

#4 Find a tiny copy of your favorite novel in the Museum of Miniature Books

Book lovers can indulge in their hobby on a tiny scale at the Museum of Miniature Books. It’s a free private museum, located in the Old City, with more than 4,000 miniature books on display. It’s truly thrilling to see some of the world’s most famous classics in such small copies. Can you imagine reading a Dostoevsky novel with a magnifying glass?

#5 Climb the Maiden Tower

While you are still in the Old City, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the main sights of Azerbaijan and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List – The Maiden Tower. Buy a ticket and climb all the way to the top to enjoy a beautiful view over the city, see the tower from the inside and learn a lot about its history and creation. The tower’s biggest mystery is its original purpose, which remains unknown.

#6 Buy something from Sederek

If you’re looking for an unconventional shopping experience that will leave you stunned, Sederek is the place for you. To say that this is a huge shopping center would be a great understatement. Prepare to get literally lost amid the thousands of stands selling everything from household supplies to food, toys, automobile parts, decorations, souvenirs and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Prices are much lower than in the city, and even though at first glance it might seem like low-quality stuff, you can find some pretty good deals here.

Sederek is located a bit outside the city (about 10 km away), but it’s worth the visit if you like thrilling bazaar adventures. Grab a taxi or try your luck with the local buses. I promise you – you will never forget this experience.

#7 Feel the fires of the past (literally)

Get a glimpse of the Zoroastrian culture and feel the fires of the past in Ateshgah – The Fire Temple. Many people visiting the city skip this astounding place since it’s located far from the city center, but that’s their loss. The temple exudes a mystic atmosphere and serves as the perfect place to acquaint yourself with Zoroastrian beliefs and practices. After you’re done with the tour, you can enjoy a warm cup of delicious red lentil soup and a traditional Azeri kebab in the restaurant located right next door.

© Zornitsa Apostolova

#8 Grab a cocktail at 360 Bar

360 Bar is a rotating bar on the 25th floor of the Hilton Hotel, which is open for anyone who would like to enjoy a fantastic view while sipping a refreshing cocktail or indulging in delicious desserts. The view is stunning, to say the least, and the atmosphere is nice and relaxing. It’s worth visiting at night to enjoy a full panorama of the city lights.

© Zornitsa Apostolova

#9 Sail through the Little Venice

You can experience many things in Baku, but the feeling of being in Venice is perhaps one of the most unexpected. Sail on a gondola and spend some time admiring the beauty of the mini islands and bridges of the ‘Small Town of Venice’. This picturesque, clean area is located right next to the carpet museum and near the Caspian seashore.

#10 Listen to mugam live

Mugam is a form musical composition specific to Azerbaijan. It’s very powerful, and in my opinion you should listen to it live to get a true feel for it. Records just don’t have the same atmosphere as live mugam performances do. While listening to a good mugam concert, you can feel the strong Azeri spirit of the musicians, their passion and unique cultural identity. You can buy tickets for a concert or just visit a national restaurant that offers live music.

BONUS: Watch Formula 1

This is time-sensitive, but for the next few years, a Formula 1 race will be held in Baku (the dates for 2018 are April 27-29). If you’re a Formula 1 fan, make sure you plan your trip to the capital of Azerbaijan during this time, so that you can get an even more thrilling experience by attending the Baku City Circuit Race. A range of different tickets give you access to various events and activities held throughout the city during the week of the Formula 1 race.

© Zornitsa Apostolova

Here’s a map of all the mentioned spots in Baku:

***

Zornitsa Apostolova is a wife, mom and blogger currently living in Azerbaijan. Her blog Prepare to Visit aims to provide useful information to anyone traveling in the Caucasus, from useful tips and reviews to informative articles and beautiful pictures. Make sure you follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to receive the latest and greatest of her posts.

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Whether you’re looking for an apartment, hotel, house, youth hostel, a bed & breakfast, a house exchange — we have it. If you’re the adventurous type looking for something a little different, check Cozy Milan rentals.

1. Take a selfie with the middle finger

This ubiquitous symbol of human mockery stands right in front of Milan’s stock exchange headquarters in Piazza Affari. The provocative Italian sculptor Maurizio Cattelan created it in 2010 and it was initially supposed to be a temporary installation. However, clearly seeing the humor in the statue, the local government decided to leave it there permanently. Cattelan never commented on the meaning of the sculpture, so you’re free to interpret it as you wish.

The Middle Finger in Milan | Photo: Joyce S. Lee

2. Discover the Navigli antique shops

Milan’s version of Venice is a small quarter with a few canals, a few boats and some floating restaurants (but no gondolas, sorry). Bustling with bohemian energy, Navigli is known for its flea markets and creative atmosphere. Unlike the city’s famous shopping malls and boutiques, which offer the latest crazes (at the highest prices), here you can find retro fashion treasures to impress even the strictest hipsters. Stepping inside the antique stores along the Ripa di Porta Ticinese is like entering into a past reality, one where you can find 50-year-old Chanel bags among collections of original clothes from a range of iconic brands.

Navigli’s Canals, Milan | Photo © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

3. Catch a glimpse of the Horned Madonna

If you dare to see Mary and Jesus with devil’s horns, follow the streets after Porta Ticinese to Sant’Eustorgio Basilica. Once there, enter the Portinari Chapel and hear the strange story behind the unusual fresco of Mary and Jesus with horns. The chapel is dedicated to the Dominican priest Pietro di Verona, who had been converting followers of the Catharism heresy movement back to Catholicism. Once, he attended a Catharist gathering where it was said that the Madonna was seen. Pietro di Verona did see the Madonna, but he also saw that she had horns on her head, leading him to believe that she was the Devil in disguise. When Pietro offered the Devil a piece of sacramental bread, he ran away. A group of nobles, however, didn’t approve of Pietro’s preaching and sent two assassins to kill him. Thus Pietro di Verona is usually depicted with an ax in his head, a reference to his grisly death.

The Horned Madonna in Milan

4. Witness the future of eco-tech at Bosco Verticale – the green vertical forest towers

The forest towers project had gone viral even before it started. Bosco Verticale, meaning Vertical Forest, consists of two residential towers (26 and 18 floors respectively) designed by Boeri Studio, featuring hundreds of trees and shrubs planted all over the edifices to absorb the notorious Milan smog and to produce oxygen. The forest is located quite far from the main tourist area, but you can reach it easily by subway (get off at Garibaldi FS or Isola stations).

Bosco Verticale in Milan

5. Indulge in aperitivo at Leonardo’s Vineyard

You’ve already marveled at Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, now it’s time to cross the street and visit Leonardo’s Vineyard. Back in 1498, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, gave a vineyard to Leonardo. Sforza was hoping to turn the Basilica Santa Maria Delle Grazie (which houses the Last Supper) into his family mausoleum and he wanted to create a neighborhood surrounded by his most loyal supporters, Leonardo among them. After almost two decades under French rule, Leonardo won back the vineyard a little before his death. The area was completely forgotten until 1919, when it was identified by architects and historians, still almost entirely intact. Unfortunately, a massive fire and new urban plans destroyed what had been preserved for centuries. In 2015, the vineyard was restored using the original vine in its original rows. Now in the vineyard’s cafe you can sip coffee or join the Saturday aperitivo at 5:45 pm (reservation required).

Note: You should book your ticket well in advance. Visitor information here.

6. Smell basil and thyme in the Botanical Garden

There’s a little-known garden, just a street away from the popular Pinacoteca di Brera, where you can stroll among rows of spices and actually rub their leaves between your fingers to release their aroma. The Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Brera) is free, and it also offers free walking tours on Saturdays (a reservation is required).

Read more about the Botanical Garden here.

Orto Botanico di Brera (Botanical Garden) in Milan | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

7. Discover a copy of the Last Supper by one of Leonardo’s apprentices

Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of those buildings that looks like just another church until you learn that it holds a fascinating secret inside. Besides being one of the oldest churches in Milan (originally built in Roman times), it is home to a perfect copy of Leonardo’s Last Supper, painted by one of his apprentices. Some parts of this version are better preserved than the original, so you can take a close look at some of the mysteries of the famous mural – all the saints and Jesus have halos except Judas or the feminine face of John, for example.

The Last Supper copy at San Lorenzo church, Milan

8. Dine while riding a retro tram

Trams produced in Milan were exported all over the world, as far afield as San Francisco. They are an integral part of the city life, but one of them, a dark green, respectable retro machine, is more than just a means of transport. The ATMosphera tram is a traveling restaurant, serving your dinner at 8 pm while you zigzag between the main attractions of Milan. Indulge in a set menu and enjoy your complimentary wine, but remember to book your seat in advance. More information here.

ARTmosfera Tram in Milan

Bonus secret place:

The human skulls church – Santuario di San Bernardino Alle Ossa

Italy seems to have some strange idea of what to do with human skulls and you can stumble upon bone structures across the country, the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo probably being the most popular. Milan doesn’t lag behind with the small ossuary of the San Bernardino Alle Ossa church. The reason why it all started was that in 1210 the nearby graveyard ran out for space and a respectful space for the bones had to found. They stored them in a special building next to the church decorating the niches and doors with bones and skulls too. It’s a 5-minute walk from Duomo. When King Joao V of Portugal saw the church, he built a similar structure in Evora, Portugal.

Address: 4, Via Carlo Giuseppe Merlo. Opening times: 7:30 am – 6 pm (there’s a break 12 am – 1 pm).

READ MORE:

8 SECRET LOCATIONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH ITALY (+ map)

12 UNUSUAL THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE (+ map)

Here’s a map of all the places mentioned to plan your route in Milan:

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Searching for luggage storage in Milan? Whether you’re discovering the hidden gems in Milan, catching a football match at San Siro Stadium or taking a tour of the Duomo Cathedral, you need both hands to embrace everything Milan has to offer.

So, why not drop your bag off instead of dragging it around? From luggage lockers to manned left luggage offices, Stasher has got you covered. Find Milan luggage storage with Stasher and make the most of your time in the city!

Read more about ITALY.

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I’ve been writing about travel for more than 10 years, and during that time I’ve come across places – real secret hideaways – that I will never reveal to anyone else. I will never share photos of these places on Facebook, and I’ll definitely never provide directions online or invite strangers to come join me there.

What is a secret place?

A secret place is not something you read about on the internet and then visit just so you can share a photo of it on Instagram.

It’s not something that ‘only’ two travel blogs have written about.

It’s not something from the ‘Secret Places’ section of a city’s website.

It’s not a rarely visited place presented as a secret spot.

But it could be…

… somewhere a special person brought you.

… a place you came across by chance.

… a spot that feels magical so long as you’re the only person there (OK, maybe you can bring one special person. But only if it’s their birthday and you can’t think of another present…).

Keeping the secret

Benjamin Franklin was quoted as saying “Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead”. I’m definitely not encouraging you to ‘get rid of’ those two others… but indeed, there’s no greater sense of disappointment than when you and your big mouth inadvertently destroy the serenity of your favorite secret place. 

So here are the secret places I will never show you

A natural three-room apartment in the cliffs.

A rock (with a natural staircase leading to it) that looks over a lake.

A secret rooftop with a view over my city.

A secret cove where it’s only me and the seabirds.

What do you think about the secret places? Would you share your secret places in the comments section? But remember the rules: no names, no photos and definitely no directions!

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If Italy is your passion, you are about to discover a few incredible, but not overly popular locations.

Follow us along these destinations, recommended by the Italians themselves, to uncover a secret – even the hearts of the largest and most popular cities can hold hidden gems!

A peek through the Aventine Keyhole

The Aventine Keyhole in Rome, Italy

Atop of the Aventine Hill in Rome, you will discover an unexpectedly beautiful view. Approach the locked, covered in greenery doors of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, to find a decorated keyhole. Looking through the keyhole will reward you with a remarkable view of St. Peter’s dome in the Vatican. You will see it framed by a tunnel of trees.

Temple of Valadier

Temple of Valadier, Italy

This octagonal temple, inside a mountain cave, is located in the city of Genga (the region of Marche, about 65 km away from Ancona). It was commissioned by Pope Leone XII and named after its architect.

Chamois

Chamois, Italy

Have you ever heard of this Italian town? It is the highest altitude municipality in the Aosta Valley region, and the only city in Italy unreachable by car – you can take a cable car or walk. This means one thing and one thing only – complete serenity and incredibly beauty.

The Bridge on Gaiola Island

The bridge of Gaiola Island, Italy

The island is located near the shores of Naples and is famous mostly for being cursed. Still, nobody can deny that the thin stone bridge, connecting the two sections of the island, is impressive.

Vicolo dei Lavandai, Milan

Vicolo dei Lavandai, Milan | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

At the heart of this charming town, by the shores of the Naniglio Grande Canal, you ll find a corner, where time has stopped its course long ago. This is Vicolo dei Lavandai, meaning “The Alley of Washers” – even today you can find an archaic washing machine here.

Discover more unusual things to do in Milan.

The Bell Tower of Curon Venosta

The bell tower in Curon Venosta, Italy

This odd bell tower rises above the water… with no church attached to it. The reason is that in 1950 the city of Curon Venosta was submerged in a man-made lake, called Lago di Resia (Reschensee in German). During the winter, the lake freezes over and you can walk to the bell tower. Curon Venosta is located in the North of Italy, near the borders with Switzerland and Austria.

Discover more stories about submerged churches.

Garden of Ninfa

The Garden of the Ninfa, Italy

About 80 km outside of Rome, you will find a true gem – gardens with water canals, medieval ruins covered in roses, exotic greenery. You can visit between April and November. More information can be found here.

Burano

Burano, Venice, Italy

If you ll be visiting Venice, don’t forget to drop by the most colorful island in the lagoon – Burano, often skipped for other locations in Venice (maybe because of romance).

Read more about ITALY.

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What is the best thing about this place is that it is located in the very centre of Milan but it is rarely included in the routes of the tourists.

Milan, as any other big tourist destination, has lots of secret places, which it keeps only for the most curious travellers. Such a little, green secret you will find just a few streets away from the La Scala Opera House, on the back side of the popular Brera Gallery – this is the Botanical Garden of Milan (Orto Botanico di Brera).

The Garden is part of the University of Milan, while a walk through it is like a stroll in someone’s yard in the country. From their very beginning the alleys lead you through sweet-scented herbs – basil, thymus, salvia, oregano – each with its own name-plate. You can simply walk down the alleys, gently rub the leaves between your fingers and breathe in one scent after the other.

© Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

After the herbs, here come the vegetables and the flowering bulbs (in spring). There is a table with metal chairs where you can rest under the shadows in a hot summer day. There are also benches, blooming shrubs, as well as one of the oldest Ginkgo biloba trees in entire Europe.

History at a glance

This place has a centuries-old history. In the past the garden was used by the students in medicine and pharmacy – established back in 1774 at the order of Austrian Empress Maria Teresa. Earlier, there was a green spot of the Society of Jesus at this place.

Bonus: Every Thursday (except on bank holidays) there is a brief tour with a guide from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The tours are organised for small groups of up to 10 people and only after advance reservation on infobrera@unimi.it.

Useful information: The Brera Botanical Garden is situated right behind the Brera Gallery, on 28, Brera Street. It is free of charge. Working hours: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (with a break between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.); Saturday – from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Sunday – closed.

Here’s a map:

Read more about ITALY.

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