The hill was built using 700,000 cubic meters of debris collected from Milanese ruins after WWII.
It is named after the architect Piero Bottoni’s wife, Stella Vecchi.
The park was intended to serve as a 'laboratory' for new architectural and urban planning standards post-war.
The Giardino dei Giusti honors individuals who saved lives during the Holocaust and other genocides, modeled after Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.
The park provides one of the few significant changes in topography in the otherwise flat landscape of the Milanese plain.
The site hosts a specific memorial sculpture by Francesco Somaini.
Parco Monte Stella, known locally as 'Montagnetta di San Siro,' is an artificial hill constructed from the rubble of buildings destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. Architect Piero Bottoni designed the park in the mid-20th century as part of the QT8 (Quartiere Triennale 8) experimental residential district. The terrain features a 50-meter elevation gain, offering a panoramic viewpoint that spans the Milan skyline and the distant Alps on clear days. The park serves as a hub for local recreational activities, including running paths and designated green areas for residents. In 2003, the 'Garden of the Righteous' (Giardino dei Giusti) was established here to honor those who opposed genocides. The site spans approximately 37 hectares and is characterized by dense tree cover and winding gravel trails. It stands as a significant example of urban regeneration and landscape architecture in northwestern Milan.
The summit of the central hill provides the highest vantage point for a 360-degree panorama of Milan.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the trails consist of loose gravel and can be uneven.
Visit during the early morning to catch the best light for photography against the city skyline.
Combine your visit with a walking tour of the surrounding QT8 district to see post-war experimental architecture.
Attempting to climb off-trail, as the slopes can be steep and the ground unstable.
Respect the memorial areas of the Giardino dei Giusti; refrain from loud noises or sports in these designated quiet zones.
