Just a few kilometers from the metropolis lies an unexpected landscape of forests, wetlands, and untouched nature.

When people think of Lombardy, the mind often leaps to Milan—its skyline of steel and glass, days marked by packed schedules and late trains, rooftop aperitivi, and the constant rush from one commitment to the next. It’s a region in motion: productive, urban, fast-paced. But there is another Lombardy, far less photographed and infinitely quieter. A Lombardy of forests, marshes, nature reserves, and wild creatures, where life is measured not by the clock but by the rhythm of nature.

It’s surprising how little it takes to leave it all behind—sometimes it’s as simple as taking the ring road out of the city or hopping on a regional train. In an hour, often less, you can find yourself in places where concrete gives way to green, car horns to birdsong, and daily stress to a rare, restorative peace. No hiking boots or compass required—just a willingness to slow down and really look.

A short drive from Pavia, the Sant’Alessio Oasis is a small ecological miracle. Where farmland once stretched, you now find marshes, woodlands, wetlands, and pathways teeming with wildlife that seem straight out of a nature documentary: grey herons, kingfishers, amphibians, rare insects, and birds. The backdrop—a 17th-century castle—lends the setting a fairy-tale charm. Open most of the year, the reserve offers guided trails for those eager to understand the delicate balance of an ecosystem.

Its name may sound made up, but it’s real—and it delivers on its promise. The Parco Ittico Paradiso is a freshwater world spanning 13 hectares of ponds, streams, and tanks home to more than 20 species of fish, some visible from special semi-underground tunnels. Land-dwelling residents include dormice, squirrels, and badgers, while a small “farm” with donkeys and goats delights both adults and children. Open from February to December, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed, educational Sunday off the beaten track.

Just half an hour from central Milan, the WWF Vanzago Forest is one of the most surprising green lungs of the city’s outskirts. Among centuries-old oaks, ponds, and meadows live more than 120 bird species as well as foxes, fallow deer, porcupines, and roe deer. Managed by the WWF since 1977, it also houses a wildlife rescue center. Visits—available only on weekends and always guided—offer a truly immersive and respectful encounter with nature. Perfect for families, school groups, or anyone seeking an authentic green escape.

In the heart of Bergamo province, Le Cornelle is far more than a zoo. Founded in 1981, it is now home to over 1,200 animals, many belonging to endangered species such as the snow leopard, white rhinoceros, and Asian elephant. Themed areas—from the African Savanna to the Tropical Forest—and activities like the “Birds of Prey Flight” make it both engaging and educational. As an active participant in European conservation programs, Le Cornelle combines entertainment with awareness.

Visiting these places is a chance to change your perspective. To learn—or remember—that nature is not something distant or exotic, but a heritage all around us, too often overlooked. You don’t need an intercontinental flight to feel wonder—sometimes all it takes is a sandwich in your backpack, a pair of comfortable shoes, and the willingness to leave the Duomo behind.