If you ask someone to think of Milan and to describe its main features, they certainly wouldn't call it a leafy city. But a discerning visitor will soon realise that Milan offers some very pleasant surprises. To test this, the first thing to do is to browse the numerous aerial photos available: the most famous shows the Castello Sforzesco or Sforza Castle and the Arco della Pace or Arch of Peace. The vast area of Parco Sempione, one of the green lungs of the historic centre, is so sweeping that you could imagine yourself in the famous allés of Paris. This is the most obvious example, but there are others to prove that Milan's lack of green spaces is just an irritating preconception. Suffice it to mention the Giardini Pubblici di Porta Venezia, with their pleasant meeting places, or more peripheral areas such as the Parco Lambro: walking along some of its paths you are completely removed from buildings, roads and pollution. But of course, Milan is a metropolis and as such its citizens can't all live surrounded by nature. However, walking along the streets in the most famous quarters, you will find many tree-lined avenues that provide welcome shade on sultry summer days, a sure sign of wise regulating plans that over time have promoted a longsighted urbanization. You can also appreciate the numerous public gardens, large and small, that are to be found in the vicinity of kindergartens, schools and residential areas. These are often little pockets of nature that are admired for their flourishing spring blooms and offer pleasantly relaxing moments to readers, sportsmen, students and mothers. In recent years, among other things, special care has been given to refurbishing areas that had previously been neglected and that have been reclaimed and redesigned for the public enjoyment. Worth mentioning are the Parco delle Basiliche, a large garden that surrounds the Basilica of San Lorenzo alle Colonne and, on the opposite side of the street, the Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio. Neat hedges of roses and borders of violets surround lawns that are so packed at the weekend that you have to pick your way in to find a patch to sit on. An equally pleasant place to visit on a sunny day is offered by the Neoclassical Giardini della Guastalla, whose gates open onto Via Francesco Sforza. The entrance is marked by a number of steps leading down to a fine stone basin, full of water lilies and goldfish. Century-old trees, including a number of horse chestnuts, shade the avenues with their decorated benches and small niches with votive statues. It is an excellent place for cycling and walking, perhaps while enjoying an ice-cream. Down at the opposite end you will find the oldest Jewish Synagogue in the city. The Giardini della Guastalla reveal a truth about the historical Milanese parks: they were not designed for children to have fun in. Until recently, children had to bring a ball or a skipping rope to have something to do in them. But the increased requirement for open air activities has stimulated a large number of modernization works, so almost everywhere you will find playgrounds with swings and slides and roundabouts for young visitors