Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)

The basics

When architect Stefano Boeri unveiled his Bosco Verticale in 2014, the project immediately became a prototype for urban reforestation, and its greenery-clad skyscrapers continue to be one of the highlights of Milan architecture tours today. The reinforced balconies hold more than 700 trees and thousands of small shrubs and plants, creating enough vegetation to cover 2.5 acres (1 hectare) of forest, and the verdant towers are a unique—and photographer-friendly—addition to the Milan skyline. Most city sightseeing tours by car, bus, bike, or scooter include a stop here to admire these innovative and eco-sustainable buildings.

Things to know before you go

• Visitors can admire the two Bosco Verticale buildings from outside, but cannot enter.

• A stop at the skyscrapers is a must for architecture and photography fans.

• The towers are surrounded by two large public parks, so you can relax (and kids can play) in the open space while admiring the Bosco Verticale in the background.

• Visitors can approach the buildings along public roads flanked by wide, flat sidewalks that are easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to get there

The Bosco Verticale is near the Isola neighborhood in central Milan, and easy to visit by public transportation. The Porta Garibaldi train station is about a 5-minute walk away, as are the Isola and Garibaldi metro stations. You can also reach the towers by joining a sightseeing tour by bike, scooter, car, or bus.

When to get there

The greenery cloaking the buildings was carefully chosen to provide year-round foliage, so you can visit the Bosco Verticale in any season. That said, the buildings are at their fullest coverage in the summer. You can only take in the towers from outside, so choose a mild, dry day to visit.

Visiting Milan’s Isola neighborhood

The Bosco Verticale sits on the edge of Isola, one of Milan’s trendiest neighborhoods and home to a burgeoning street-art and dining scene. Take a break from the chic streets of downtown Milan to stroll through this former working-class district, where cutting-edge art galleries and restaurants sit next to vintage vinyl shops and biker emporiums. Catch a performance, concert, or art show at the Fabbrica del Vapore, a factory-turned-cultural center, and check out the opulent funerary sculptures at the Monumental Cemetery.