Parco Sempione & Torre del Filarete Milan
Milan's grandest park and the iconic gateway to Sforza Castle, offering history, relaxation, and stunning city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Parco Sempione & Torre del Filarete Milan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Milan's grandest park and the iconic gateway to Sforza Castle, offering history, relaxation, and stunning city views.
"A must-see landmark in a truly stunning location, blending history and beauty."
Free Exploration
Wander the castle grounds and park for free! Museums have an entry fee, but the atmosphere is priceless. :moneywithwings:
Picnic Paradise
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the vast lawns. Perfect for a budget-friendly and relaxing day. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Torre del Filarete
Sforza Castle Entrance
The iconic central tower of Sforza Castle, a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Parco Sempione
Milan City Center
A vast English-style garden, perfect for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying city views.

Arco della Pace
Western end of Parco Sempione
A magnificent triumphal arch, offering grand vistas and a picturesque backdrop.
Torre Branca
Parco Sempione
A tall, slender tower offering panoramic views of Milan from its observation deck.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Explore Beyond the Green
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Exploration
Wander the castle grounds and park for free! Museums have an entry fee, but the atmosphere is priceless. :moneywithwings:
Picnic Paradise
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the vast lawns. Perfect for a budget-friendly and relaxing day. :sandwich:
Capture the Views
Climb Torre Branca for breathtaking panoramic views of Milan. A must-do for photographers! :camerawithflash:
Historical Immersion
Explore the Sforza Castle and its museums to delve into Milan's rich past. Fascinating history awaits! :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Exploration
Wander the castle grounds and park for free! Museums have an entry fee, but the atmosphere is priceless. :moneywithwings:
Picnic Paradise
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the vast lawns. Perfect for a budget-friendly and relaxing day. :sandwich:
Capture the Views
Climb Torre Branca for breathtaking panoramic views of Milan. A must-do for photographers! :camerawithflash:
Historical Immersion
Explore the Sforza Castle and its museums to delve into Milan's rich past. Fascinating history awaits! :scroll:
Event Hotspot
Check for special events like 'Notte Bianca' for a magical evening experience. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Parco Sempione and the Torre del Filarete for their historical significance, beauty, and accessibility. The park is lauded as a peaceful urban oasis perfect for relaxation and exploration, while the castle tower is recognized as an iconic landmark. Some visitors note that the area can get crowded and hot during peak summer months.
"The Filarete Tower is the iconic central entrance of Milan’s Sforza Castle. Rebuilt in the early 1900s, it blends Gothic and Renaissance styles beautifully. A symbol of Milan’s rich history, it’s a must-see landmark in a truly stunning location."
Eleni Iak
"This is the central entrance tower of Castello Sforzesco and one of its most recognizable landmarks. It was originally commissioned in 1452 by Duke Francesco Sforza and designed by Antonio Averlino, known as Filarete. The structure featured a two-tiered square base, a clock level, a watchtower, and a cylindrical turret crowned with a dome. In 1521, the tower was completely destroyed by an explosion in its internal munitions depot. Between 1891 and 1905, Luca Beltrami reconstructed the tower based on 16th-century drawings. The restored tower was dedicated to King Umberto I and completed in 1905. The clock on the second level was added during this reconstruction."
Seokjin Ham
"Great place to visit as it’s free, has lots of historical sites to see and a museum which wasn’t free but still, an amazing area with a park next to it, great for exploring and having a lazy day. Do we warned in the summer months it’s gets busy and is also very hot"
Aland Berwari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parco Sempione is easily accessible by public transport. Tram lines 1, 4, 12, and 27 stop nearby, as do metro lines M1 (Cadorna, Cairoli) and M2 (Cadorna). The Torre del Filarete is the main entrance to Sforza Castle, located at the eastern edge of the park.
Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transportation or a taxi. If driving, look for paid parking garages in the surrounding areas. :car:
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 20-30 minutes from the Duomo through the city center, passing by Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It's a great way to see more of Milan. :walking:
The Torre del Filarete is the prominent tower at the main entrance of Sforza Castle. Simply head towards the castle from the city center or the park, and you can't miss it.
Yes, Milan has a bike-sharing system (e.g., BikeMi) with stations located around the park, making it easy to explore the area on two wheels. :bicycle:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Parco Sempione itself is free to enter and explore. You can wander through the gardens, admire the monuments, and enjoy the open spaces without a ticket. :ticket:
The Torre del Filarete is part of Sforza Castle. While entering the castle grounds and park is free, access to the castle's museums and exhibitions requires a paid ticket.
Parco Sempione is generally open daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or special event hours.
Yes, it's often recommended to purchase tickets for Sforza Castle's museums online in advance, especially during peak season, to save time and guarantee entry. :computer:
The courtyards and grounds of Sforza Castle are generally accessible for free, allowing you to admire the architecture and atmosphere without purchasing a museum ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Torre del Filarete, Arco della Pace, Arena Civica, Acquario Civico, and the Triennale Design Museum. The park also features charming fountains and green spaces for relaxation.
The Torre del Filarete itself is the main entrance and iconic landmark of Sforza Castle. For panoramic views, you can visit Torre Branca within Parco Sempione, which offers a dedicated observation deck.
Families can enjoy picnics, let children run around the open spaces, visit the small aquarium (Acquario Civico), and admire the various monuments. It's a great place for a relaxed family outing. :family_mm:
Yes, guided tours are often available for Sforza Castle, providing in-depth historical context. You can inquire at the castle's information points or book in advance online. :guide_dog:
You can explore Parco Sempione on foot, rent a bike, or even use a scooter. Walking allows you to appreciate the details, while bikes offer a quicker way to cover the large area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and kiosks within Parco Sempione where you can grab a coffee, snack, or light meal. For more extensive dining options, explore the areas surrounding the park or within Sforza Castle.
The Brera district and the Navigli area, both accessible from the park, offer a wide array of restaurants, from traditional trattorias to trendy eateries.
Absolutely! Parco Sempione is a popular spot for picnics. Bringing your own food and drinks is a great way to enjoy the park affordably. :pizza:
Milan has a growing number of restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options. You'll find plenty of choices in the surrounding neighborhoods, especially in areas like Brera. :leafy_green:
Prices vary greatly. Cafes and kiosks in the park might offer snacks for €3-€7. Restaurants in the vicinity can range from €15-€30 for a main course, with fine dining options being more expensive.
📸 📸 Photography
The Torre del Filarete, Arco della Pace, and views from Torre Branca are prime photo locations. The park's tree-lined paths and fountains also offer beautiful shots.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but provides good light for capturing architectural details.
Drone usage is generally restricted in public parks and around historical monuments in Milan for safety and privacy reasons. Always check local regulations before flying. :noentrysign:
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide park landscapes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens is excellent for the Arco della Pace and castle exteriors. :camera:
The Torre del Filarete itself is a stunning subject. Try framing it with the castle courtyards or from within Parco Sempione for dramatic perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Torre del Filarete is impressive from the outside, consider visiting Torre Branca for a thrilling experience with older children, offering incredible views of the city. Ensure you bring comfortable shoes for walking and plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The castle grounds also offer space for exploration and imagination.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the museums within Sforza Castle have an entry fee, the overall experience of exploring the grounds, the park, and the iconic arch is rich and rewarding without it. Consider utilizing Milan's efficient public transport system to reach the park, which is more economical than taxis or private parking.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Timing is crucial for the best light. Aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset for warm, dramatic lighting that enhances the textures and colors of the architecture and landscape. Experiment with different focal lengths; a wide-angle lens will capture the scale of the park and monuments, while a telephoto lens can isolate architectural details. The park itself offers numerous picturesque spots with fountains, tree-lined paths, and seasonal foliage, providing endless photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Torre del Filarete
Tragically, the original tower met a catastrophic end in 1521 when an explosion in its internal munitions depot completely destroyed it. For centuries, only ruins remained. However, between 1891 and 1905, architect Luca Beltrami undertook a meticulous reconstruction of the tower. Basing his work on 16th-century drawings and historical records, Beltrami aimed to recreate Filarete's original vision. The reconstructed tower was dedicated to King Umberto I and completed in 1905, once again gracing the Milanese skyline. The clock on the second level, a prominent feature, was added during this reconstruction period, further enhancing its historical significance.
Today, the Torre del Filarete is not just a historical monument but also a beloved landmark and a central point of interest for visitors exploring Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione. Its resilience and faithful reconstruction make it a testament to Milan's enduring history and architectural heritage. It serves as a gateway to the castle's extensive museums and courtyards, inviting visitors to step back in time.
Exploring Parco Sempione: An Urban Oasis
The park is home to several significant landmarks, including the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) at its western end, a grand triumphal arch commissioned by Napoleon. Within the park's boundaries, you'll also find the Arena Civica, a historic outdoor stadium, and the Acquario Civico, Milan's civic aquarium. For those seeking elevated views, the slender Torre Branca offers panoramic vistas of the city. The park also houses the Triennale Design Museum, showcasing contemporary Italian design.
Parco Sempione is ideal for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply relaxing on the grass. Its wide avenues are perfect for cycling or jogging, and its numerous trees provide ample shade during warmer months. The park frequently hosts events, concerts, and festivals, adding a vibrant dimension to its natural beauty. It's a place where history, culture, and nature converge, making it a must-visit destination in Milan.
Photography Tips for Parco Sempione & Torre del Filarete
For breathtaking cityscapes, a visit to Torre Branca is essential. From its observation deck, you can capture sweeping panoramic views of Milan, including the Duomo and the modern skyline. The best light for photography in the park is during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. This is when the light is soft and warm, casting a beautiful glow on the monuments and landscapes. Midday sun can be harsh, but it's useful for highlighting intricate architectural details.
Consider using a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) to capture both wide park scenes and close-up architectural details. A wide-angle lens is perfect for the Arco della Pace and the imposing scale of Sforza Castle. Remember to check for any local regulations regarding photography, especially if you plan to use professional equipment or drones, though drone usage is typically restricted in such areas.
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