Work continues in Milan on the construction of the future archaeological park, which will have as its “green heart” the ancient Roman amphitheater dating back to the first century AD. The historic site — considered the third largest amphitheater in Roman Italy — will become home to a large public park in which nature and archaeology will coexist. According to the project created by architect Attilio Stocchi, the original design will be unearthed in plant form and “transformed” into a public area dedicated to art and nature.

Called Amphitheatrum Naturae Park, the nature site will occupy the entire floor plan of the old monument — originally composed of four concentric ovals with a maximum width of 150 meters. In addition to the greenery project, the park will involve other neighboring and degraded areas, with the goal of creating an ambitious historical trail that will also involve the ruins of San Lorenzo and the basilica of St. Ambrose.

The project has been further enriched, however, with new museum spaces, thanks to a collaboration agreement signed between the City of Milan-Demanio and the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio. 

The heart of the new museum, according to the design hypothesis, will be at no. 17 Via Conca del Naviglio. It will house the collection now on display at the ‘Alda Levi’ Antiquarium at 17 De Amicis Street, supplemented by the numerous finds in the area of the Roman Amphitheater, the result of archaeological excavations conducted in recent years by the Superintendency. Reception services, such as the ticket office and a cafeteria overlooking the archaeological area, are also planned here. Spaces for the storage and preservation of state-owned archaeological goods from excavations conducted both in the area of the Amphitheater and in other city contexts and premises for a catering service will also be created within the complex.

Owned by the Municipal State Property Office in the same way as the entire archaeological area of the Amphitheater, the architectural project will be entrusted by the Administration to the Superintendence, adding to the more than 22 thousand square meters already granted in 2018 for the realization of the PAN. The ministerial funds received by the Superintendence, amounting to 6.6 million euros, will cover the entire intervention.

Opening image:  Attilio Stocchi, PAN, Parco Amphitheatrum Naturae, Milano. Courtesy  Attilio Stocchi