The small lake of Darsena, next to the Porta Ticinese, is all that remains of the complex system of canals and rivers which have crossed the city of Milan since Roman times. The Naviglio Grande which ran from Abbiategrasso,ran into this lake, as well as the Pavese canal which joins it at the junction of the Ticino and the Olona river which today runs underground. La Darsena was built in 1603 by the Spanish governor the Count of Fuentes. It was there that cargoes were loaded and unloaded from the barges which reached the city via the Lombardian rivers. It found its present form in 1920 when, with the demolition of the Spanish ramparts it was expanded and the long commercial quay was constructed along Via D'Annunzio where on Saturday the traditional Sinigaglia market takes place. It was through the Darsena that the regional canals were linked up with the city system, enabling and developing the commercial and artisanal activity of the city. The city centre was thus linked by a water network to the Ticino, the Adda to the sea and the great lakes of Lombardy
Housed in a green space spanning over 247 acres (100 hectares), situated 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Milan's eastern frontiers, Parco della Preistoria is a place where dinosaurs come to life. Featuring 30 models of life-sized dinosaur species, the park offers a Jurassic experience, giving guests the illusion of meeting them face to face. In addition to dinosaur models, the park also is home to a paleontological museum, a botanical garden, a horse farm, and a labyrinth.
Surrounded by the lush greenery of Casa degli Atellani's gardens, Leonardo da Vinci's Vineyard has a long history. Gifted to Leonardo da Vinci by Duke Ludovico Sforza, the vineyard was forgotten for centuries until 2015. consisting of a museum, the most notable feature of the vineyard is that the grapes here were replanted in the original 15th-century pattern.
This gate, part of the 12th-century walls of the city, were reinforced and embellished by Azzone Visconti (1330-39), and consists of two arches flanked by towers. In the 15th century it was partially demolished and incorporated into other buildings, and then restored in 1861. It was further restored in 1931 with architectural changes.
Designed by Architect Sebastiano Locati in Liberty style, the building was constructed for the International Exposition of 1906. Damaged in 1943 during the war, the building remains intact thanks to diverse restorations. At the borders of Sempione Park (which reflect the architectural symmetry,) rises the Civic Arena. One of the oldest in the world, the Civic Aquarium of Milan houses 36 tanks with 100 species of aquatic animals: fish, shellfish, mollusks, spiny invertebrates represent the Mediterranean, the Italian fresh-water fauna, and the tropical water animals. In the posterior gardens, currently under reconstruction, Milanese aquatic environments have been reconstructed, including the surging fountain, the pond, the spring, the marsh, the hollow and the courtyard. The media library and library, dedicated to aquatic science, offer 10,000 books, 14,500 extracts, 718 periodicals, 250 video cassettes, 600 slides, and scholarly collections on fish and mollusks. Institute publications, scientific journal: "Quaderni della stazione idrobiologica di Milano". There are specific educational activities organized for scholars.
Set in the legendary Sforzesco Castle, the Egyptian Museum is home to some of the most fascinating and intriguing artifacts of ancient Egypt. Situated in the underground level of the castle, this museum takes you on a journey through the era of the great Pharaohs. Divided into various sections based on relevance, visitors are given a broad idea of the culture and lifestyle of the ancient Egyptians. Amongst the many artifacts exhibited here are several mummies and sarcophagi, pages from the Book of the Dead and a number of sculptures of legendary rulers.