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Europe Italy Milan Do & See Castello Sforzesco

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Castello Sforzesco

The guide was updated: 2024-04-07

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Sforza Castle and Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini guided experience

The Castello Sforzesco was built in the 15th by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Until the beginning of the 20th century it was a symbol of power and the nobility used it as their residence. Today the castle houses a wide selection of cultural sights, such as museums and exhibitions.

Useful Information

Address: Piazza Castello 3, Milan
Opening hours: The Castle: 7am–7:30pm. Castle Museums: Tue–Sun 10am–5:30pm
Phone: +39 02 884 637 00
Email: serviziocastello@comune.milano.it

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Il Duomo

Il Duomo

The cathedral is the symbol of Milan. Construction began in 1386 and was not completed until 500 years later. Duomo di Milano is a late Gothic masterpiece, made even more interesting by the fact that this style can’t be seen anywhere else in Italy. Towering over the Piazza del Duomo, the marble building is marked by 135 spires and countless statues.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Right next to the Duomo di Milano (the Milan Cathedral), you will find Italy's oldest active shopping gallery. Named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an upscale shopping arcade housing luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton as well as restaurants, bars, cafes and even a hotel. The Galleria's central glass dome has a stunning mosaic representing the continents of Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, while its floor is decorated with mosaics portraying the coat of arms of Rome, Florence, Milan, and Turin. Representing Turin is a bull, and according to the legend, if you spin around three times with your heel on the bull's genitals, it will bring you good fortune.

Cenacolo Vinciano — The Last Supper

Cenacolo Vinciano — The Last Supper

Cenacolo Vinciano is the home of one of the world’s most legendary and beloved works of art, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. It’s rarely possible to simply walk in and take a look though, so definitely book your visit in advance.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Pinacoteca di Brera

Milan doesn’t have as many artistic treasures as Venice and Florence, but it does not fall too far behind. The city’s foremost art museum, the Pinacoteca di Brera, showcases works by Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Bramante, and Caravaggio, among others.

Teatro alla Scala Museum

Teatro alla Scala Museum

Teatro alla Scala, opened in 1778, is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. A visit to the museum grants you a sneak peek inside the theatre itself and the glamour that goes along with it. You’ll be able to visit one of its spectacular theatre boxes overlooking the stage.

Discover Milan's Art Scene

Discover Milan's Art Scene

There's nothing quite like being shown around by a local, who is passionate and knowledgeable about their city. Only a local could take you around their favourite street art spots and point out all the hidden gems you would have missed otherwise. While some parts of Milan can be snooty and luxurious, giving you world class art institutions, others are filled with life by alternative contemporary artists. Get a more intimate look at Milan's art scene with a 90-minute tour — you'll be begging for more!

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco

The Castello Sforzesco was built in the 15th by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Until the beginning of the 20th century it was a symbol of power and the nobility used it as their residence. Today the castle houses a wide selection of cultural sights, such as museums and exhibitions.

The Navigli

The Navigli

Even if canals aren't the first thing you think about when you visit Milan, you shouldn't miss The Navigli. These canals were constructed by Leonardo da Vinci to make the building of Il Duomo and the transportation of heavy materials easier. The neighbourhood around the Navigli is today one of the most popular, filled with cafes, bars and small shops.

Cimitero Monumentale

Cimitero Monumentale

Cimitero Monumentale opened in 1866 and is one of the two largest in Milan. To be buried here, the deceased had to be from higher echelons of society, and one can pay homage to the memory of a few celebrated artists and political figures here. A guided tour will not only draw your attention to the wide array of contemporary and classical Italian works of art, but will also give you information about the rich and famous Italians who found their resting place here.

Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione

Enjoy some time out in one of the city's greenest and lushest parks. You can find something for everyone in Parco Sempione: play areas and train rides for the children, football fields and a roller skating rink, and green lawns with free Wi-Fi to relax after a busy day. Escape from the heat in the Civic Aquarium, whose building was constructed for the International Exposition back in 1906. Get a bird's eye view of Milan by taking a lift up Torre Branca. At 108.6 meters high, it is one of the tallest structure in the city. Have a romantic moment on the Ponte delle Sirenette — a little bridge dedicated to all lovers.

Brera

Brera

The Brera area is a must if you visit Milan. Young professionals and students tend to gather in this bohemian quarter, which boasts countless small boutiques and restaurants. It is a perfect place to eat a memorable lunch or to have an aperitivo towards the evening.

Bosco Verticale — Porta Nuova District

Bosco Verticale — Porta Nuova District

Milan's architecture is not only neoclassical promenades, Gothic cathedrals and posh villas — Porta Nuova district is the new and modern revitalization project that has drastically changed the city. Take a walk around the Diamond Tower, the Unicredit Tower and many other glass and steel construction. The stars of the show here are the two skyscrapers known as Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest). Featured in all major architecture outlets, these residential towers have actual live trees growing on its facade. They look marvellously lush in the spring and summer and totally enchanting covered in snow and frost.

Take a Day Trip: Bernina Scenic Train & Lake Como

Take a Day Trip: Bernina Scenic Train & Lake Como

When you want to escape from the busy city streets and enjoy some natural beauty of Lombardy, consider hopping on the scenic Bernina Express train. Stroll along Lake Como, make a stop in the historic lakeshore village of Varenna and ascend the Alps on the UNESCO-listed train — it'll make a stop on top so you can take short walk enjoying summit views. The train journey itself takes about 4 hours start to finish and runs through 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and viaducts.

Villa Necchi Campiglio

Villa Necchi Campiglio

Villa Necchi Campiglio is an architect-designed villa that functions as a museum with decorative arts, paintings and period furniture. This architectural gem with a gorgeous private garden and a swimming pool was completed by Piero Portaluppi in 1935 for the Necchi Campiglio family — part of the flourishing middle class of Milan in the 30s. After WWII, the villa underwent some changes: the linear modern architecture was softened with design elements from the 18th century and those in the style of Louis the 15th of France. Villa Necchi Campiglio gained popular fame after appearing as Tilda Swinton's character's opulent home in Luca Guadagnino's 2009 hit film I Am Love.

The Milan Planetarium

The Milan Planetarium

Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli is the largest and oldest planetarium in Italy, offering a space where people can learn about astronomy and science. Inside the 20-metre wide dome you can watch projections of the night sky. Experts are always on hand to explain about the stars and planets. The planetarium offers a host of events and shows some of which are thematically tied to current events and pop culture such as spooky Halloween shows and lectures about the science in sci-fi films.

Milan Cooking Lessons

Milan Cooking Lessons

Italian cuisine needs no introduction — you've tasted it and loved it countless times. Milan is the perfect place to take one of the many cooking classes with a trained chef or an average (if there is such a thing) nonna. Most classes can teach you how to make your own pasta, pizza and dessert, but you can ask for something that speaks to you personally. Of course, you get to taste your own masterpiece afterwards.

San Siro Stadium

San Siro Stadium

The city’s two top Series A football teams, Inter and Milan, draw dedicated crowds to their shared home ground. San Siro also hosts fan events and is home to Italy’s only football museum, so make sure to visit it even if football isn't really your thing, just to make your Milan experience more complete.

Fondazione Sozzani

Fondazione Sozzani

Fondazione Sozzani not only showcases contemporary art, but also shares the space with a spectacular clothing shop, a cosy restaurant, a cool book shop, the trendy hotel 3Rooms and a designer outlet store at Corso Como 10. The Corso Como 10 store is legendary in its own right — definitely worth a visit.

QC Termemilano

QC Termemilano

After a lot of walking and sightseeing, the Thermal baths of QC Termemilano is the place to recover and recharge. At this relaxing spa you will find various pools, saunas, showers, relaxing areas and bookable treatments. Complimentary snacks and drinks are provided throughout your visit.

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