Milan Attractions

Venue: Acquario Civico di Milano    When: Daily

Ideal for a breather from the smog and traffic pollution that can make Milan unbearable, the Milan aquarium is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in Italy. Thirty-six enormous pools are filled with more than 100 different species of fish, living in recreated environments ranging from the Amazon to the Mediterranean.

The thematic focus of the pools in the aquarium is weighted towards native Italian fish-life, both marine and freshwater, and other types of aquatic life which are often neglected by "amateur" marine biology as not being spectacular enough. There is still room for exotic sea life from Africa, Asia and Latin-America though, and the Amazon freshwater pool contains some ferocious piranhas.

At the end of the exhibition there is a huge terrarium, where if you look carefully you can see many species of shy, well-camouflaged amphibians hiding in the undergrowth.

Throughout the year there are events for the whole family, including drawing contests, children's shows and guided tours, as well as all kinds of courses for different interest groups, ranging from the amateur sailor to the scholar.

The aquarium's library is one of the most important resources for marine biology and oceanic studies in Italy, and provides ample access to the public.