Milan's Roman Amphitheater to Become Green Archaeological Park

Milan's Roman amphitheater, often called 'the Colosseum of Milan,' is being transformed into PAN Parco Amphitheatrum Naturae, a green archaeological park set to open in 2022. The 1st-century AD structure in Via Conca del Naviglio once hosted gladiator fights and spectacles until the late 4th century, when it was systematically dismantled and its materials reused for the nearby Basilica of San Lorenzo. Recent excavations revealed 14 radial foundation walls that supported the oval cavea. The project, designed by architect Attilio Stocchi and supervised by Superintendent Antonella Ranaldi, will recreate the amphitheater's footprint using 105 trees and 1,700 square meters of hedges (boxwood, privet, myrtle) inspired by ancient viridaria. Funding comes from the Ministry of Culture and private sponsorships. The park will be Milan's largest archaeological site, linking the amphitheater to the Colonne di San Lorenzo, Basilica of San Lorenzo, and Sant'Eustorgio via the Parco delle Basiliche, creating a 10-hectare green corridor for events and concerts. Councilor Pierfrancesco Maran announced the project on Facebook on February 16, 2021, calling it 'one of the most incredible projects of the coming years.'