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Milano Porta Garibaldi: Central Hub in Isola's Urban Core

Milano Porta Garibaldi is one of Milan's busiest and most interconnected public transportation stops, located in the Isola neighborhood of Municipio 9. It serves as a major node on the S8 suburban rail line and multiple other regional and long-distance services operated by Trenord, Trenitalia, and other carriers. The station offers direct access to suburban lines, national rail, Milan Metro lines M2 and M5, and numerous tram and bus routes. Positioned along Piazza Sigmund Freud, it anchors daily mobility for commuters traveling across Lombardy and beyond.

The surrounding Isola neighborhood has transformed into one of Milan's most dynamic urban areas, known for its mix of historic architecture, modern skyscrapers like Bosco Verticale, and creative industries. Milano Porta Garibaldi station supports this transformation by offering intermodal connectivity through underground walkways, escalators, and bike-sharing stations. The station is integrated into the Porta Nuova business district and lies within walking distance of the iconic Piazza Gae Aulenti. As a transit hub and urban anchor, Milano Porta Garibaldi plays a critical role in linking northern Milan to the rest of the metropolitan region and supporting economic and cultural activity in the heart of the city.

Piazza Gae Aulenti: Modern Icon in Isola

Piazza Gae Aulenti is a striking example of contemporary urban design located in the Isola neighborhood of the Municipio 9 district in Milan. Completed in 2012 and named after the renowned Italian architect Gae Aulenti, the elevated square forms the heart of the Porta Nuova business district. Surrounded by glass skyscrapers like the UniCredit Tower, the piazza features modern fountains, art installations, and open-air seating that foster both leisure and social interaction. Its elevated circular platform offers panoramic views of the surrounding architectural skyline, making it a popular destination for locals, professionals, and tourists alike.

As a key node in the redevelopment of northern Milan, Piazza Gae Aulenti connects seamlessly with nearby transit stations, retail centers, and pedestrian pathways leading into the lively Isola neighborhood. The square often hosts cultural events, markets, and seasonal displays that draw diverse crowds throughout the year. It serves as a symbol of Milan's fusion between historical legacy and futuristic vision, bridging the traditional character of Isola with the sleek innovation of Porta Nuova. Whether admired for its design or experienced as a vibrant urban hub, Piazza Gae Aulenti reflects the evolving identity of 21st-century Milan.

Bosco Verticale: Green Architecture in the Heart of Isola

Bosco Verticale, located in the Isola neighborhood of the Municipio 9 district in Milan, is one of the city's most iconic examples of sustainable architecture. Designed by architect Stefano Boeri and inaugurated in 2014, this pair of residential towers is covered with over 20,000 trees, shrubs, and plants, creating a vertical forest that improves air quality and biodiversity. The innovative design received international acclaim, including the International Highrise Award in 2014 and the CTBUH award for Best Tall Building Worldwide in 2015. These towers not only provide housing but also act as a living ecosystem integrated into Milan’s urban landscape.

Situated near Piazza Gae Aulenti and the Porta Garibaldi transport hub, Bosco Verticale represents the modern face of Milan’s Isola district while maintaining a connection to environmental responsibility. The towers host a range of native plant species and are engineered to regulate humidity, absorb CO2, and reduce noise pollution. This project has inspired similar developments around the world, making it a symbol of Milan's commitment to innovative and sustainable urban living. For visitors and residents alike, Bosco Verticale stands as a vertical garden in the sky, redefining how architecture and nature can coexist in dense urban environments.

Corso Como: Fashion and Nightlife in Isola

Corso Como is a vibrant pedestrian street located at the southern edge of the Isola neighborhood in the Municipio 9 district of Milan. Known for its stylish boutiques, upscale restaurants, and dynamic nightlife, it has become one of the city's trendiest destinations. The street gained international fame with the opening of 10 Corso Como, a concept store and cultural hub founded by Carla Sozzani in the early 1990s. Blending fashion, art, design, and dining, this venue helped shape Corso Como into a focal point for Milanese creativity and cosmopolitan flair.

The street connects seamlessly with Porta Garibaldi station and the modern developments of Piazza Gae Aulenti, offering a contrast between historic charm and contemporary architecture. By day, Corso Como draws shoppers and art lovers; by night, it transforms into a lively scene of aperitifs and music. The blend of high-end fashion, curated cultural experiences, and easy access to public transit makes it a unique space within the Isola district. For locals and visitors alike, Corso Como represents the stylish heartbeat of modern Milan.

Unicredit Tower: Skyline Symbol of Modern Isola

The Unicredit Tower is the tallest building in Italy and a central architectural landmark in the Isola neighborhood of the Municipio 9 district in Milan. Completed in 2011 and designed by Argentine architect César Pelli, the tower rises to 231 meters including its spire, making it a defining feature of the Porta Nuova business district. It serves as the headquarters of UniCredit, one of Europe's largest banking groups, and is an anchor point for Milan's evolving financial and commercial landscape. Its curved glass façade and LED-illuminated spire symbolize the city's ambition and forward-looking urban development.

Located adjacent to Piazza Gae Aulenti, the tower is integrated into a pedestrian-friendly environment that includes retail areas, cultural venues, and access to major transit connections. The Unicredit Tower contributes to Milan’s reputation as a hub for international business while maintaining visual harmony with the surrounding structures. Its sustainable design features energy-efficient systems and modern materials that meet contemporary environmental standards. As a centerpiece of the Isola skyline, the tower draws photographers, visitors, and professionals alike, reinforcing its status as a modern icon in Milan's architectural and urban identity.

Fondazione Feltrinelli: Culture and Research in Isola

Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli is a prominent cultural and research institution located in the Isola neighborhood of the Municipio 9 district in Milan. Opened in 2016, its headquarters was designed by Herzog & de Meuron and features a striking glass-and-steel structure that has quickly become a modern architectural landmark. The foundation is dedicated to promoting critical thought, historical research, and public dialogue on issues such as democracy, economic inequality, and globalization. Its impressive library, archive collections, and public programs contribute to Milan's intellectual and cultural life.

Situated near the Porta Volta area and well connected to the rest of the city, Fondazione Feltrinelli serves as a bridge between academic inquiry and civic engagement. The building hosts lectures, exhibitions, workshops, and publishing initiatives that attract students, scholars, and curious citizens alike. Its contemporary design contrasts with the historical character of the surrounding Isola district, signaling the neighborhood's evolving identity. As a center for thought and experimentation, Fondazione Feltrinelli underscores Milan’s role as a city of ideas and cultural innovation.