It was built as a new town by Edilnord, a company associated with Silvio Berlusconi in the 1970s.

The main peculiarity of Milano 2 is its walkability: A system of walkways, cycle paths and bridges connects the whole neighbourhood so that it is possible to walk around without ever intersecting with vehicular traffic.

It was marketed as a residential neighbourhood for families of the upper middle class with children.

Distinctive landmarks of the complex include the sporting facilities, a small artificial lake (il laghetto), children's and adults' playgrounds, and lots of green areas so you can also think of living inside a park.

Milano 2 also hosted the headquarters of the first Italian private television channel, TeleMilanocavo, a small cable network that started broadcasting in the area in 1974.