Want to find out what we saw along the way? Here we go!

1. The Varesine Station

Our tour started where the old Varesine Station once stood. It was called Varesine because trains to Varese used to depart from here.
Until the 1960s, this area was filled with railway tracks, but it was also home to amusement rides and a Luna Park!

Today, it has become part of Porta Nuova, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe.

2. Piazza Gae Aulenti

Continuing our walk, we reached Piazza Gae Aulenti, one of the most recognisable landmarks of contemporary Milan. Named after the great Italian architect Gae Aulenti, the square offers an incredible view of Milan’s skyline.

But there is also an artistic detail that not everyone knows about: the permanent installation Egg by conceptual artist Alberto Garutti. The artwork consists of large brass tubes set into the pavement. If you get close and put your ear to one of them, you can hear sounds and voices coming from the floors below! It’s a unique way of interacting with the space around you.

3. Bosco Verticale

As we walked towards the Isola district, we came across the famous Bosco Verticale, or “Vertical Forest”.

These two residential towers have become a worldwide symbol of sustainable architecture, with hundreds of trees and plants covering their balconies.

Instead of creating a park next to the buildings, the architects brought nature directly onto the façades. And here’s a little language tip: bosco verticale literally means “vertical forest” in English!

4. Biblioteca degli Alberi

Our tour continued towards another large green space: BAM, the Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano.

The name itself is an invitation to look around. This is not just a traditional park, but a contemporary garden with trees, plants, paths and green spaces arranged in a unique way.

One of its most distinctive features is the network of geometric paths that cross the park and connect different parts of the city.

What makes the Porta Garibaldi area so interesting is precisely the contrast between its different identities. In just a few hours, you can experience a Milan that tells the story of the city’s past, present and future.

Ready to discover it with us? We’ll see you on our next walking tours!

Get in touch with Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan to ask for information or book your course!

The post Discovering Milan on Our Walking Tour from Garibaldi to Isola appeared first on Blog of Leonardo da Vinci ;).

If you are looking for the perfect spot to do your Italian language course homework or engage in some language exchange, here are the best cafés and spaces in Florence.

Biblioteca delle Oblate: Studying with a view of the Dome

It is not just a library, but one of the most beloved spots for students from all over the world. Located just steps away from the Duomo, it originated as a convent and now houses a public library with a breathtaking panoramic terrace.

Upstairs, you’ll find a light-filled café with both indoor and outdoor seating. Why go there? You can study in the café area while enjoying fresh juice or a sandwich, then look up and admire Brunelleschi’s Dome in all its glory. It is the ideal place to meet Italian and international students. Open until 11 PM.

Caffè Letterario Le Murate: History, art, and open spaces

This unique space was created by repurposing the city’s old prison, transforming it into a dynamic cultural hub. It is spacious, alternative, and full of energy. Inside, you’ll find shelves lined with books and a relaxed atmosphere; outside, the large pedestrian square is perfect on sunny days.

It frequently hosts book presentations, concerts, and events. It is the perfect choice if you are looking for a stimulating environment for afternoon study sessions. And if you feel like taking a break from your books, you can always order a spritz.

La Cité: The Bohemian Spirit of the Oltrarno

If you find yourself in the Oltrarno district—specifically in San Frediano—there is a café-bookstore that is a true gem for anyone who loves a warm, slightly vintage atmosphere. Comfortable armchairs, coffered ceilings, and walls lined with books will make you feel right at home—specifically, in a classic Tuscan-style home.

It is a favorite haunt for local artists, creatives, and students. It is incredibly easy to strike up a conversation here and practice your Italian in a completely natural way.

Keep in mind that while cafés and cultural venues are happy to host those who are studying or working, maintaining a harmonious environment requires respecting a few simple rules of Italian courtesy:

1. The "consumption" rule: Don't occupy a table for four hours while ordering only a €1.20 espresso. If you plan to stay a while, order a second drink, a snack, or have a light lunch.
2. Mind the rush hours: Between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, many venues need their tables for lunch service. During this time, either free up your table or ask the staff if you can stay and keep studying.
3. Use headphones and be discreet: If you need to listen to Italian lesson audio or make a call, always use earphones and keep your voice at a moderate volume so as not to disturb those around you.

Studying Italian doesn't have to be boring: choose your favorite spot, order an espresso, and let yourself be inspired!

Take your Italian out of the textbook and into the streets of Florence.

Study with expert native teachers at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, then sip an espresso while doing your homework at Le Oblate or Le Murate!

Choose your Florence Italian course today!

The post Florence’s literary cafés: where to study and meet other students. appeared first on Blog of Leonardo da Vinci ;).

Villa Borghese: A Green Oasis in the Heart of Rome

One of the most famous spots is Villa Borghese, the large park located in the heart of Rome. Its tree-shaded avenues, lush lawns, and picturesque Lake Garden create an ideal atmosphere for anyone seeking peace without leaving the city center.

Set within a massive green space, the park still features buildings, fountains, sculptures, and gardens originally designed between the 17th century and subsequent eras. Here, you can easily find a bench in the shade, sit on the grass, or take a peaceful stroll among the trees before getting back to your books. When it’s time for a break, the surrounding area offers plenty of nearby cafes and snack spots.

Villa Doria Pamphilj: Endless Space and Nature in the City

For those who want even more open space, Villa Doria Pamphilj is one of the top choices. As one of Rome's largest historic parks, it feels almost like countryside within the city.

Vast lawns, tree-lined avenues, fountains, and historic gardens mean you can pick a different spot every single time. It’s the perfect place to spread out a blanket, open a book, and spend a few hours surrounded by greenery. Between chapters, a short walk lets you discover some of the villa's hidden gems, such as the Theater Garden (Giardino del Teatro) and its historic fountains.

Giardino degli Aranci: Breathtaking Views from the Aventine Hill

A completely different experience awaits at the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) on the Aventine Hill. Though more intimate, the breathtaking views are unmatched.

Sitting in the shade of orange trees with a book in hand, you can gaze out over the city and admire some of its most famous monuments. With a panorama stretching all the way to St. Peter’s Dome, this scenic spot—officially named Parco Savello and listed among Rome's municipal historic parks—is one of the most picturesque places to take a study break.

Wi-Fi and Facilities: Working and Studying Outdoors in Rome

Studying in these spaces completely changes how you experience your day. A lesson can easily continue on a park bench under the trees, reading a chapter turns into a leisurely walk, and a coffee break becomes a moment to catch up with friends. In the larger parks, you can find various kiosks or easily reach nearby cafes in the surrounding streets.

If you need to work on a laptop, free Wi-Fi spots are available via the City of Rome’s DigitRoma WiFi network. Furthermore, inside Villa Borghese, the Casa del Cinema offers free Wi-Fi alongside a dedicated study room—a comfortable space to alternate between outdoor studying and structured work.

Outdoor Learning with Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Rome

For international students at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, Rome's parks and gardens are much more than just green spaces. They are places to keep learning beyond the classroom—whether reading in Italian, reviewing vocabulary, or preparing for an exam in a relaxed environment.

Students even have the chance to join our teachers for outdoor lessons at least once a week. After all, as we always say: Rome is our "open classroom."

They are also fantastic social spaces: sitting together on the grass, sharing a book, grabbing a coffee, or chatting naturally makes practicing the language feel effortless and spontaneous.

Experience the Everyday Magic of Rome

Ultimately, the beauty of Rome isn't found only in its famous monuments—it lives in everyday moments: a morning spent reading under the trees, an afternoon on the grass with friends, or a quiet break overlooking one of the city's finest views. Between Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphilj, and the Orange Garden, studying outdoors becomes a way to discover Rome at a slower pace while truly feeling like a part of its daily life.

What are you waiting for? Come and discover Scuola Leonardo da Vinci in Rome!
For information and contacts: https://www.scuolaleonardo.com/learn-italian-in-rome.html

The post Studying Outdoors: Rome's Historic Parks and Gardens to Stay Cool appeared first on Blog of Leonardo da Vinci ;).

Italian in the morning, Milan in the afternoon!

Mornings were dedicated to intensive Italian lessons: four lessons a day, from 9:00 to 12:15, in international classes organised according to the students’ level.

In the afternoon, it was time to leave the classroom and discover Milan: walking tours, museums, sports activities, creative workshops and language aperitivi.

Discovering Milan’s universities

One of the highlights of the programme was getting a first taste of university life in Milan.

Milan is one of Europe’s most dynamic cities for students looking to study and build their future. During the Summer Camp, students had the chance to discover this side of the city through visits to three Milanese universities.

At IULM, they took part in an interactive neuromarketing workshop, while at Politecnico di Milano they explored the world of technology through a 3D printing workshop. The programme also included a visit to Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, where students explored the campus.

A summer to remember

The programme was also full of hands-on experiences. Students took part in robotics and artificial intelligence workshops, enjoyed creative activities and, of course, got to try their hand at a gelato workshop.

And after a day full of activities, there was still plenty of time to have fun! Outdoor cinema, karaoke, bowling and games made the evenings just as memorable.

The students also had the chance to escape the city for a day and discover Desenzano del Garda, one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda. They explored the historic centre, visited the castle, enjoyed the views of the lake and spent time together in the summer atmosphere.

But perhaps the most valuable part of the experience was the international friendships. Living together in a residence and sharing classes, activities and free time, the students quickly became a close-knit group.

Thank you to all the students for sharing this experience with us! We’ll see you next summer with a new group in Milan!

Read more about the course: https://www.scuolaleonardo.com/summer-camp-for-young-learners.html

The post Summer Camp in Milan: the first edition comes to an end appeared first on Blog of Leonardo da Vinci ;).

Would you like know which are the best neighborhoods to spend your free time after class? Where to make friends, have an aperitif or participate in university life? Here is a guide to the students’ favourite places.

San Salvario: the heart of Turin's nightlife

Not far from Porta Nuova station and the historic centre, San Salvario is one of the landmarks of Turin's nightlife. Its multicultural atmosphere is livened up by bistros, cocktail bars, pubs, international restaurants and clubs with live music.

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal: groups of students and young people of all nationalities love to go there until late in the evening, especially during the summer.

San Salvario is also the ideal place to try the ritual of the Turin aperitif, a much-loved tradition that allows you to enjoy a drink accompanied by a rich buffet of local specialties. The Scuola Leonardo in Turin, as one of its activities for your free time, every week offers a new location for the aperitif ritual andSan Salvario is where many of our favorite places are located.

Vanchiglia: the creative student district

In recent years, Vanchiglia has become one of the most popular neighborhoods for university students, thanks above all to its location, just a few minutes from the Luigi Einaudi Campus, which makes it one of the favorite meeting points for university students. Here you will find independent cafes, bookstores, alternative clubs, cultural spaces and small restaurants where you can meet after class.

During the day, the neighborhood is perfect for studying over a good cup of coffee; in the evening it comes alive with concerts, cultural events and clubs attended mainly by students and young professionals.

Piazza Santa Giulia: the university students' living room

One of the most iconic places for student life is certainly Piazza Santa Giulia, famous above all for its benches, where on spring and summer evenings hundreds of young people meet simply to chat, listen to music and meet new people.

It is one of the best places for those who are new to the city and want to make friends in a spontaneous and international environment.

The Murazzi del Po: a very evocative location along the river

The Murazzi del Po, the ancient arches along the river, are home to clubs, cocktail bars and spaces dedicated to live music. Walking along the Po at sunset is one of the most pleasant experiences in the city and is a meeting place for many young people.

The traditions and superstitions of Turin’s students

Like in any university city, in Turin, too, there are traditions and superstitions that concern university students. The most famous undoubtedly concerns the Mole Antonelliana, the symbol of the city and one of its panoramic points.

To fend off bad luck, students should not climb the Mole before graduation, lest their degree is delayed. For this reason, many university students wait until they have graduated before visiting the Mole.

Another curious superstition concerns Palazzo Nuovo, the historic seat of the humanities faculties of the University of Turin. Rumour has it that students should avoid sitting or standing on the grand main staircase before graduation so as not to "attract bad luck" during their university career. It is a tradition handed down for generations that is still followed by many today.

A perfect city to live and study

Turin offers a perfect balance between study and free time. Thanks to its small size, it is easy to get around on foot, by bicycle or by public transport. In addition, the cost of living is generally lower than in other major Italian cities, which is highly valued by international students.

Between historic libraries, elegant cafes, museums, parks and a lively cultural scene, every day can turn into an opportunity to practise Italian and meet people from all over the world.

Learn Italian by experiencing the city

Attending a course at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Turin means not only learning the Italian language in the classroom, but also enjoying an authentic cultural experience.

After the lessons you can easily reach San Salvario, Vanchiglia, Piazza Santa Giulia or the Murazzi, participate in the activities organised by the school and share daily life in Turin.

The best way to learn a language is to practise it every day, sharing experiences, conversations, and unforgettable moments with students from all over the world. Studying Italian in Turin with the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci is an experience you absolutely must try. The city combines tradition, innovation, culture and a vibrant international community, offering the perfect context to learn Italian and feel at home immediately.

If the idea of attending an Italian course in Turin appeals to you, contact us, we will be happy to provide you with all the information you need. In the meantime, follow us on social media to discover all the wonders of the city and the activities organised by the school for our international students who attend courses at all levels, from beginners to advanced!

The post Turin as a university city: the best neighborhoods for student nightlife appeared first on Blog of Leonardo da Vinci ;).

Florence boasts countless gelato shops, but not all offer the same quality. That's why we asked our students to test the city's most iconic, historic, and beloved gelato shops.

Here are the four essential stops on our gelato tour, 100% approved by our student community, now local!

1. Badiani: History, Buontalenti's Invention, and a Double Location in the City Center

• Location: Viale dei Mille, 20r (the historic main location in Campo di Marte) and Via dei Tosinghi, 12r (a stone's throw from Piazza del Duomo)
• The must-try specialty: the legendary Buontalenti flavor!

Founded in 1932, Badiani is more than just a gelato shop, but a true institution of Florentine gastronomic culture. Its historic location on Viale dei Mille, in the Campo di Marte neighborhood, is the perfect starting point for a relaxing break outside the city center. But there's great news: Badiani has also opened a gelato shop right in the center, between Piazza della Repubblica and the Duomo, making it easy to enjoy its gelato even while strolling among the city's artistic wonders.

The true jewel in Badiani's crown is the famous Buontalenti flavor. Named after Bernardo Buontalenti, a famous Florentine architect, painter, and inventor of the Renaissance, he is historically credited with creating the first recipe for a precursor to modern gelato at the Medici court. It's a velvety cream made with four natural ingredients: milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. Its simplicity hides a rich, enveloping flavor that has captivated generations of Florentines and students from around the world.

2. Vivoli: Tradition in the heart of Santa Croce

• Location: Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r (Santa Croce neighborhood)
• Unmissable specialties: the classic Crema, the Frangipane, and the famous Affogato al Caffè!

Founded in 1930 as a dairy and quickly becoming one of the most famous gelato shops in the world, Vivoli is hidden among the charming alleys of the Santa Croce neighborhood. Entering Vivoli is like stepping back in time, amidst period furnishings and historic photographs on the walls. The atmosphere is authentic and exudes artisanal tradition.

A key feature to know before visiting is its rigorous service philosophy: at Vivoli, gelato is served (preferably) in a cup. This ensures that the wafer does not alter the pure flavor and perfect temperature of the gelato in the slightest. Among the most popular flavors are the classic creams, made according to secret family recipes, and their unforgettable espresso affogato.

3. Gelateria La Carraia: Exceptional quality and a view of the Arno

• Location: Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25r (in front of the Ponte alla Carraia)
• The must-try specialties: Mousse alla Carraia (cream with melted chocolate and a crunchy wafer) and Pistachio!

Located directly on the Arno River, at the foot of the bridge of the same name, La Carraia has been a favorite among university students and residents for years. The secret to its enormous success lies in its ability to combine rigorously artisanal production with fresh, top-quality ingredients. The quality-price ratio is truly unbeatable.

Furthermore, its strategic location allows you to combine the pleasure of gelato with one of the most beautiful and evocative views in the entire city, making every taste a special moment in the Oltrarno area.

4. Gelateria dei Neri: The popular, affordable, and super central stop

• Located: Via dei Neri, 9/11r (between Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce)
• The must-try specialties: Salted Caramel, Ricotta and Fig Flavor, and the delicious semifreddo desserts!

Located on one of the liveliest and most characteristic streets of the historic center, Gelateria dei Neri is a true meeting place for young people and students of all ages. Despite its central location, just steps from Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Museum, the gelateria has maintained the quality of its ingredients over the years.

The Gelateria dei Neri counter is a triumph of color and variety: it offers a wide selection, from traditional to modern flavors, including a wide selection of granitas, semifreddos, gelato cakes, and lactose-free flavors ideal for those with specific dietary needs. The atmosphere is always cheerful, dynamic, and welcoming, perfect for an energizing break during a busy day of studying.

What flavor are you? Which of these four is your favorite?

The post Florence: The Perfect Gelato appeared first on Blog of Leonardo da Vinci ;).

We asked our teachers to help us discover some of the most famous expressions used in everyday life.

Eh la peppa! / Ciumbia!

Two expressions used to show amazement, surprise, or wonder.

Dialogue

• - Ragazzi, guardate le foto delle vacanze! Che spiaggia incredibile!
• - Eh la peppa! Ciumbia!

Dai bomber!

A friendly and informal way to say “Come on, champion!”, “Great!”, or simply greet a friend.

Dialogue

• - Ciao, a domani! Buona giornata!
• - Ciao, bomber!

Schiscetta

A schiscetta is the container used to carry a homemade lunch to work or school. It is a word that every Milanese person knows!

Sciura

A sciura is the Milanese word for “signora” (lady/woman). Today, it is also used affectionately or humorously to describe the typical Milanese lady.

Dialogue

• - Che bel pranzo!
• - Grazie, oggi ho portato la schiscetta.
• - Bravo! L'hai cucinata tu?
• - No, l'ho comprata al ristorante della sciura Maria.

Bauscia

The word bauscia describes someone who is a little snobbish, shows off, or likes to brag.

Dialogue

• - Ciao! Com’è andata la festa di ieri?
• - Tutti bauscia!

Figures!

It simply means: “Don’t mention it!”, “No problem!”, or “You’re welcome!”.

A Milan se sta mai coi man in man!

Literally: “In Milan, you never sit around with your hands in your pockets.”
It perfectly describes the hardworking and dynamic spirit of the city.

Dialogue

• - Hai fatto i compiti?
• - A Milan se sta mai coi man in man!

Taaac!

One of the most famous Milanese expressions. It is used when something has been successfully done, like saying “Done!” or “Perfect!”.

Dialogue

• - Non capisco come funziona questa macchinetta.
• - Metti i soldi, scegli quello che vuoi e... Taaac!

Other expressions to know:

"Se te dre a fa cusè?" – What are you doing?

"Vabbè, quel che l'è!" – Alright, whatever it is / It doesn’t matter.

"Ades ghe pensi mi." – I’ll take care of it now.

Dialogue

• - Ma dov'è questo libro? Non lo trovo.
• - Se te dre a fa cusè?
• - Corrado, aiutami! Sto cercando il libro... “Nuovo Caffè”?
• - “Nuovo Espresso”, forse?
• - Vabbè, quel che l'è! Dai, aiutami a cercarlo.
• - Ades ghe pensi mi.

Dialect is one of the most beautiful ways to truly get to know a city and the people who live there. We hope these expressions have made you curious, now all that’s left is to start speaking like a real Milanese!

The post Speak like a Milanese: discover the Milanese dialect appeared first on Blog of Leonardo da Vinci ;).

Summer in Rome has a unique charm. As the sun sets and the heat gives way to a gentler breeze, the city changes pace. Piazzas fill with people, café tables come alive, and the banks of the Tiber become a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.

In these summer evenings, Rome reveals one of its most authentic faces: a city to be enjoyed slowly, through history, culture, and conviviality.

The Heart of the Eternal City: The Tiber River

The Tiber River has flowed through the capital for over two thousand years and once served as one of ancient Rome’s main routes for communication and trade.
Today, it remains a defining element of the cityscape and, in summer, becomes a hub for social gatherings, leisure, and cultural events. Lit by sunset and evening installations, its riverbanks offer a unique atmosphere, far from the heavy traffic and fast pace of the streets above.

Postcards from the Lungotevere

A stroll along the Lungotevere offers some of the city’s most breathtaking views. From Castel Sant'Angelo to Tiber Island, the route reveals historic bridges, grand domes, and monuments reflected in the river’s waters. In summer, this stretch grows even more vibrant with festivals, live performances, exhibitions, artisan markets, and food stands serving Italian specialties and international cuisine.

A Different Perspective on the City

Evenings along the Tiber are the perfect chance to experience Rome from a different perspective.

Wandering without a set destination, stopping to listen to an outdoor concert, enjoying a gelato, or simply watching the sunset over the river lets you discover a more relaxed side of the city. It is an experience that brings locals and travelers together, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes every walk feel special.

Life Beyond the Classroom: Practice Italian in Rome

For international students at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, the Roman summer offers more than a holiday.

After classes, walking along the Tiber becomes a natural opportunity to:

1. Practice Italian informally in real-life situations.
2. Meet people from around the world.
3. Live the city like a true local.

Conversations flow over an aperitivo, during a concert, or while simply sitting by the riverbanks admiring the view.

An Outdoor Stage: Rome’s Cultural Scene

Summer is also the ideal season to engage in Rome’s cultural scene. Open-air cinemas, music festivals, theatrical performances, and art initiatives turn many neighborhoods into outdoor stages.

From the piazzas of the historic center to the gardens of historic villas, every evening offers new chances to be captivated by the capital’s culture.

Slow Down and Experience Rome

Visiting Rome during the summer means looking beyond its most famous landmarks. It means discovering a city that lives outdoors, where the river bridges past and present—where every sunset invites you to slow down.

Between a stroll along the Lungotevere, an evening under the stars, and the timeless beauty of its panoramas, the Eternal City once again captures the heart of anyone who experiences it, even if only for a season.

Want to learn Italian while experiencing the magic of Rome?

Check out our Italian Language Courses in Rome and start your summer adventure with Scuola Leonardo da Vinci!

The post Summer in Rome: Sunsets, History, and Evenings Along the Tiber appeared first on Blog of Leonardo da Vinci ;).

A Stage of Elegance and Style

Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Viareggio experienced an extraordinary artistic flourish. The city transformed into the summer salon for the era's bourgeoisie and intellectuals, adopting the floral, sinuous, and avant-garde language of Liberty style.

Strolling through its streets today feels like a journey back in time, where ceramics, wrought iron, and wood blend into unique architectural details.

A Virtual Walk Along the Promenade and Beyond

Imagine walking along Viareggio’s famous Passeggiata and stepping into its elegant streets, with the sea breeze caressing your face and the sunlight reflecting off historic facades.

In this scenic setting, three unmissable stops stand out:

• Il Gran Caffè Margherita. With its unmistakable domes decorated with colorful ceramic tiles, it is the undisputed symbol of Belle Époque Viareggio. This spot was not just a simple café, but a true cultural epicenter, regularly frequented by Maestro Giacomo Puccini, who loved to sit here to discuss art and find inspiration for his immortal operas.
  
• Il Villino Duilio. Located just a short distance away, this building catches the eye with the refinement of its lines. It represents one of the city's purest and most graceful examples of Art Nouveau residential architecture, featuring beautiful floral motifs and wrought-iron details that seem to defy gravity.
  
• Villa Argentina. An absolute masterpiece that enchants visitors with its rich exterior majolica decorations and refined floral and geometric patterns. This wonder is located right in front of our Italian language school for foreign students, offering a breathtaking welcome to anyone arriving in the city to study and be inspired by the beauty of our language and art.

Useful Tip: The Perfect Sunset Itinerary

To fully enjoy this architectural wonderland without the daytime heat, we suggest taking a walking tour in the late afternoon, starting around 6:30 PM, when the air cools down and the golden sunset light illuminates the colorful details of the facades.

• Starting Point: Begin at the Viareggio pier (molo), walking north along the Passeggiata.
  
• The Stops: Pause to admire the majesty of Gran Caffè Margherita, head slightly inland to contemplate the splendor of Villa Argentina, and, as you head back towards the sea, let yourself be fascinated by the details of Villino Duilio.
  
• The Ending: Wrap up your walk with an outdoor aperitivo or an artisanal gelato, enjoying the spectacle of the sky turning pink behind the city's Art Nouveau skyline.

The post Beyond the Beach: the Splendid Art Nouveau Villas and Artistic History of Viareggio appeared first on Blog of Leonardo da Vinci ;).

This is exactly where we took our students on a walking tour to discover one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods. And what better way to end our journey than with a sunset aperitivo, just like a true Milanese?

The Navigli: When Milan Was a City of Water

Long before becoming the heart of Milan's nightlife, the Navigli were the engine that powered the city. Since Milan was not crossed by a major river, an extensive network of artificial canals was built between the 12th and 16th centuries. The Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese connected the city to Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, turning Milan into an important commercial hub. It was along these waterways that the precious marble used to build Milan's Duomo was transported.

History, Architecture and Hidden Corners

On the way to the Navigli, you'll also come across some of Milan's most fascinating landmarks.

One of them is the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, one of the oldest churches in the city. With its impressive Roman columns, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Milan. Today, the square in front of the basilica is one of the city's favourite meeting places for young people.

For those who would like to experience the Navigli from a different perspective, it's also possible to take a boat tour and admire the canals from the water.

Among the neighbourhood's most charming features are its hidden courtyards. During our walking tours, we often take our students to discover these secluded corners, which reveal a more authentic side of Milan. Highlights include the traditional case di ringhiera, historic apartment buildings with shared balconies that are a symbol of old Milan, and the picturesque Vicolo dei Lavandai, once used by the city's washerwomen.

The Magic of the Navigli at Sunset

During the day, the neighbourhood captivates visitors with its art galleries, vintage shops, independent bookstores and artisan boutiques. But as the sun begins to set, the Navigli reveal their most enchanting side: the city's beloved aperitivo scene.

Let's stop at one of the canal-side bars to end an afternoon spent exploring Milan. There's no better way to experience one of the city's most cherished traditions.

Aperitivo: An Italian Ritual

Aperitivo is one of our students' favourite activities. It's a time to relax over a refreshing cocktail after a day of lessons and exploring the city.

The undisputed star of the evening? The Spritz, the iconic orange cocktail that has become the symbol of the Italian aperitivo, served with a selection of delicious snacks.

But what exactly is an Italian aperitivo?

The tradition was originally created to "open" the appetite before dinner. You order a drink and enjoy it with light bites such as olives, crisps, focaccia, bruschetta, nuts or other small snacks.

Some venues also offer more generous options, including buffets or charcuterie boards, but the true spirit of aperitivo remains the same: slowing down, enjoying good company and sharing a pleasant moment together.

So, if you're wondering where to experience the true atmosphere of Milan, the answer is simple: at sunset, all roads lead to the Navigli.

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