Lido di Milano

Hidden within Milan’s bustling cityscape lies a forgotten oasis, the Lido di Milano. Ever wondered how a “seaside resort” could exist in a landlocked city? In the 1920s, Milan envisioned itself as a “city of sports.” The San Siro horse racing track had just opened. City leaders dreamed of a sprawling sports and leisure complex. The old hippodrome’s relocation created the perfect space for the Lido. The “Società Anonima del Luna Park Lido di Milano” took on the project. Architects Cesare Marescotti, Cadario, and Armando Titta designed a whimsical escape. They drew inspiration from Coney Island’s amusement parks. Imagine irregular pools designed for pure fun, playful installations, and a general air of merriment. The Lido di Milano opened its gates on July 5, 1931. A curved colonnade greeted visitors. It bore an inscription from Lorenzo de’ Medici’s “Canzona di Bacco”: “Chi vuol esser lieto, sia: di doman non c’è certezza” (“Whoever wants to be happy, let him be: of tomorrow there is no certainty”). Four ticket booths, adorned with friezes, led to a central courtyard. A grand fountain and lush gardens awaited beyond. Stepping further inside, the illusion of a seaside town unfolded. Two large pools beckoned. One, sinuously shaped, mirrored the curve of the nearby hippodrome, featuring a rotating island at its center. The other pool boasted a system that mimicked ocean waves. Artificial rocks, diving boards, a faux pier with small boats, and sandy beaches dotted with umbrellas completed the scene. Bars, a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and other amusements provided further entertainment. “La Rotonda,” a pavilion housing a bar, restaurant, terraces overlooking the main pool, and a dance floor, offered a touch of elegance. The Lido aimed to transport visitors to a coastal paradise, all while remaining in Piazzale Lotto. Sadly, this vision didn’t resonate with Milanese residents. The company went bankrupt in 1936. The city acquired the Lido di Milano, shifting its focus to sports. Frivolous elements disappeared. Tennis courts multiplied, the boats vanished, and bocce courts and a skating rink emerged. This “purist” approach proved successful. By the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Lido di Milano had become a beloved destination. Along with the Idroscalo and other outdoor pools, it served as a hub for athletes of all levels. Over the years, the Lido continued to evolve. Before its closure in 2019, it boasted tennis courts, soccer fields, a basketball court, a mini-golf course, and a vast outdoor pool. A major renovation began in 2024. The Lido di Milano is poised for a rebirth.