Bagni Misteriosi – Swimming pool ex Caimi

Bagni Misteriosi (‘Mysterious Baths’), the reborn Caimi swimming pool, takes their name from the famous artwork by De Chirico, now on display in the restored gardens of the Triennale di Milano and has a special aura, inviting you to discover this magical place.

Long gone is a public pools with discouraging ice-cold water, with their place now taken by a refined and elegant meeting spot, filled with music, art, great food and suntan in the middle of the city center. Your every expectation, from sunbathing to dance shows, concerts and aperitivo, will be met. Just take off your shoes and choose from a list of the many events organized here every week to satisfy the most demanding public.

Here are some cues to guide you in this beautiful project of restoration, carried out by the Pier Lombardo Foundation of Teatro Parenti.

The Space

The space is beautiful and very clean, with friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff. There are hammocks where you can swing while reading a good book, rose plants, many flowers and shrubs. You can have lunch in the shade of white tents sitting on wooden benches with soft cushions or at a table under the sun if you are a die-hard tanning fan.

The background music is very relaxing (you might hear piano and opera compositions) and is barely audible. It never stuns you, but rather cradles and gives you a wonderful sensation.

There are various pools: one dedicated to children, with beautiful flamingo statues in the centre, or a deep one with a couple of lanes dedicated to free swimming.

The bathrooms / showers / changing rooms areas are beautiful. With wooden details and teak floors, they also are very clean and equipped with professional hair-dryers (no ‘insert a coin’ here).

The prices are honest, considering that we are in Porta Romana, in the centre of Milan, and not in the suburbs.

For children under 12 years old admission is free on Mondays and the payment is obviously reduced on the other days. Speaking of, if your kids are 6 to 11 years old, they will enjoy summer campus events planned especially for them! Children up to 3 years old are always granted free admission. A nice bonus for young moms!

Lunch | 12.30 – 15.00 Free entry from Via Botta 18

There is a wide range of food available so please leave packed lunches at home. Here you are really spoilt for choice, with plenty of healthy dishes that will delight you without being heavy: sandwiches with Longoni Bakery’s bread, homemade ice creams and granitas, smoothies and fruit beverages as well as various types of fruit salads. And yes, it’s true: they do not sell Coca Cola. Prices on food and drinks are a bit high, about € 1.00 above average. But then again, we are in the centre of Milan and we’re eating NON-industrial bread sandwiches made with fresh and high quality ingredients.

Aperitivo | 18.30 – 21.00 Free entry from Via Sabina

Don’t forget that even if you aren’t a pool lover you can enjoy this space for a simple evening cocktail. Indeed, from 18:00 to 21:00 the daytime area becomes a nice and relaxing place for a drink by the pool with boho style lamps to complement the already beautiful view. This dining area, managed by “Un posto a Milano” (en. “A place in Milan”) – with a mission of bringing to the citizens products of local production – here has taken a new name “Un Posto Incredibile” (en. “An incredible place”).

Try it! For us, the place is definitely Flawless. Let us know what you think!
Photo credit: Bagni Misteriosi