Lombardy expands natural heritage with new monumental trees and growing network of public fountains

The Lombardy regional government approved the addition of 28 new monumental trees, bringing the total to 497 specimens across the region. The trees, including cedars, beeches, maples and mulberries, were recorded in provinces such as Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Lecco, Lodi, Mantova, Monza‑Brianza and Pavia. Three previously listed trees were removed because of poor health or stability. Regional assessor Gianluca Comazzi said, “The insertion of new monumental trees in the regional list is always an emotion,” emphasizing their cultural and historic value.

In the city of Bergamo, a recent census by researcher Gianluca Licata shows the number of public drinking fountains has risen to nearly 290, making the city one of Italy’s most densely supplied with such points of water. New installations have been added in parks and green areas, while some older fountains have been relocated. Licata highlighted, “Where there is a fountain, there is life,” and noted the launch of the FontanHello app, which lets citizens map and report the condition of fountains across Italy.