It’s easy to forget that Milan is a city with a long and complex history, with echoes of the past lingering in unexpected places. Take, for example, the tranquil Parco Martiri della Libertà Iracheni Vittime del Terrorismo. This park, named after the victims of terrorism in Iraq, is a tribute to the loss of life and a hopeful reminder of the enduring power of peace.
Located in the eastern part of Milan, near the Naviglio Martesana, Parque Martiri della Libertà Iracheni Vittime del Terrorismo is a haven of green space, a place of rest and relaxation. The park itself is a relatively recent addition to the city, built in 1978. Before that, it was simply known as Parco della Martesana. The park borders a cycle path that stretches for 30 kilometers along the banks of the Martesana, linking Milan to Cassano d’Adda, a historic town on the Adda River.
The Naviglio Martesana, itself no ordinary canal, is a product of Milan’s history as a major trading centre. It dates back to 1441, when Filippo Maria Visconti, the Duke of Milan, authorized its creation to irrigate the surrounding land, power mills, and serve military purposes. The canal was later extended southward and its waters connected to Milan’s internal canal system. Leonardo da Vinci, the polymath, even put his ingenuity to use in solving the hydraulic engineering challenges of these waterways, as evidenced by some drawings in his famous Codex Atlanticus, a collection of his artistic and scientific ideas.
Today, Parco Martiri della Libertà Iracheni Vittime del Terrorismo is a place where the echoes of history mingle with the sounds of the present. With its diverse tree species, including tulip trees, maples, hornbeams, and cherry trees, it provides a colorful backdrop for picnics and strolls. The park is also home to an open-air theatre, dog runs, and an ample playground. The park was renamed in 2006 to honor the innocent lives lost to terrorism in Iraq. It serves as a constant reminder of the tragic cost of violence and the enduring need for peace.