Feb 28, 2025

Alda Merini Bridge Milan

The most romantic bridge

"Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go and meet her in that district."

In the neighborhood Porta Genova, the most artistic side of the city, during the Middle Ages, a network of canals called Navigli was made. Nowadays, it's still an iconic place in the city and a must-see one. However, when you stroll along the network of canals, you should pay attention to the little bridges and, above all, to one of them, Ponte Alda Merini.

This beautiful bridge, where the lovers stick the locks on the grid with the initials of their names, was named in memory of one of the most important poets of Milano of the 1900s, who lived just in front of it. Her house, which nowadays is a foundation named after her, is just next to it. Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always there wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go to see and meet her in that district.

She wrote poems about love, life and mental illnesses. In fact, for some mental problems she had been diagnosed with, she passed through the Italian system of madhouses where people were treated with electroshock, which luckily was closed a couple of decades ago. After that experience, she became, with her poems, the European poetical voice of the marginalised people. So, while you take a spritz in a bar around there, take a look at this bridge!

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 47

no-price

Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Milan

Tenoha Milano

Looks like Nippon, feels like Japan

"Tenoha Milano" has Nippon minimalism. No fluffy puff, no chichi, no HelloKitty. This place oozes craftsmanship, period. You'll wanna come back asap.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Michela

Susanna Maier

Apr 21, 2025

Chinese Box

Prime people watching

"Chinese Box" is a great place in Milan for people watching and aperitivo. Spend a couple of hours with a drink in hand at the 'terrace' and you'll know...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Apr 19, 2025

Bagni Misteriosi

A tip-top swim in the city

Milan's "Bagni Misteriosi" might seem like too fancy a swimming pool for you, but if you go and if you're like me, you'll want to go again & again...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 17, 2025

Circolo Magnolia

More than a music venue

"Circolo Magnolia" is one of Milan's best music entertainment venues. It's home to some of the best music festivals and you can relax under the trees...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 16, 2025

BIVIO

Second-hand fashion heaven

"BIVIO" was the very first fashion resale shop to open in Milan. It's constantly evolving, and nowadays offers flash sales, DJ sets & happy hours.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 16, 2025

Conca dell'Incoronata

Da Vinci's genius at work

"Conca dell'Incoronata" is an ancient water basin in Milan, one of its most unique corners. I always fantasize about what might have been here...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 16, 2025

10 Corso Como

Art belongs to everyone here

"10 Corso Como" in Milan is an essential art space with an elegant garden cafe & a sophisticated concept store. It's why it's worth checking open gates!

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 16, 2025

Bar Picchio

A laid-back neighborhood bar

"Bar Picchio" is a down-to-earth, unpretentious tobacco bar in one of my favorite areas in Milan; this low-priced, friendly bar reminds me of the '80s...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 16, 2025

Hangar Bicocca

A huge factory turned expo site

"Hangar Bicocca" in Milan is an exposition site in an a former industrial hangar. It's the perfect place to see the world from a different perspective...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 16, 2025

La Belle Alliance

My comfort pub in South Milan

"La Belle Alliance" is my comfort pub in Milan, a true temple for beer lovers. Whenever somebody's visiting me, I simply take them there...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 16, 2025

NUN

Not the ordinary kebab place

"NUN" in Milan is the perfect street food deli to have a quick kebab. It has been serving gourmet wraps in a neat atmosphere since 2013!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 16, 2025

Via Lincoln

Milan's Notting Hill, so to speak

"Via Lincoln" and the area around it is Milan's very own Notting Hill! Not only that -- there's a little bit of Venice and Liguria in this garden district.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Susanna

Baggio

Apr 16, 2025

Heading to Milan?

185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

185 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Milan

Get to know our other Spotters from Milan

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
28
Filters