Parco Sempione, Milan | 5 Must See Attractions
A perfect haven in the midst of a bustling metropolis, Parco Sempione offers much more than tranquility. Here is a guide on the unmissable 5 attractions within the Park not to miss.
Parco Sempione Milan
Parco Sempione is the largest green space in the city of Milan. It is located at the rear of Sforzesca Castle, in the northwest of the city. Covering an area of about 95 acres (38 hectares), it is a perfect haven to relax, to walk, jog, to bike ride or just about anything you wish, to fly away the time. The shaded area, sculptures and ornate fountains are especially inviting. Flora and fauna abound here as is the tranquillity in some areas where it is not crowded. This peaceful haven is popular amongst tourists as well as Milanese who seek respite from their hectic city life.
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OUR BEST SELLING ACTIVITIES IN MILAN
1 | Fast-track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guide Tour
2 | Day trip from Milan: Lake Como + Bellagio + Lugano
3 | Day trip from Milan: Lake Como + Bellagio + Varenna
4 | Leonardo Science & Technology Museum Entry
5 | Leonardo da Vinci Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie Tour
Parco Sempione Milan over the years
First established in 1888, the park was used as a hunting ground by the Sforza family, the Dukes of Milan. Then it was landscaped when Napolean came, with a few orchards. In 1891, a large park was constructed for the public.
Today, Parco Sempione has a number of attractions on site which should not be missed when you are visiting this peaceful and tranquil haven. There are 5 attractions which are made up of the Sforza Castle, Arch of Peace, an aquarium, a sporting arena, and Torre Branca, one of the tallest tower in Milan.
5 Must See Attractions in Sempione Park Milan
1| Sforza Castle in Parco Sempione
Sforza Castle is a landmark in Milan. An impressive red brick fortress which was initially built in the 14th century by the Visconti family. The Castle was almost destroyed during the Golden Ambrosian Republic. It underwent massive improvements and reconstruction later in the 15th century when the Sforza family became the Dukes of Milan. The Sforza Castle became one of the largest palaces in Europe. Today, Sforza Castle is home to several museums that houses valuable art and masterpieces. Notably, Michelangelo’s unfinished last work, the Rondanini Pietà and Sala delle Asse, frescoes by Da Vinci.
Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy | Hours: Tue – Sun 09:00 – 17:30
Read: Guide to Sforza Castle and Museums Milan
2 | Arco della Pace Milan
The Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) is a symbol of Milan and marks one of the historic gates. This was the strategic route taken by Napoleon when he invaded Northern Italy. This triumphal monument, is a beautiful structure made of marble and was completed in 1838. Standing at 23 metres and topped with horse-drawn chariots. is a landmark not to miss when visiting Milan.
Address: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
Read: Arco della Pace A Guide for Visitors to Milan
3 | Arena Civica, Sempione Park Milan
Also in Parco Sempione, there is Arena Civica which is one of Milan’s most popular sporting venues. The official name is Arena Gianni Brera, named after the famous Italian writer and journalist. Designed by Luigi Canonica, the Arena Civica was Napolean’s mini-colosseum which he opened with a chariot race in 1807. This Neoclassical stadium hosts major sporting events such as soccer, rugby games and concerts. The Arena is open daily to the public.
Address: Viale Giorgio Byron, 2, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
4 | Acquario Civico in Parco Sempione
The Acquario Civico di Milano (Civic Aquarium of Milan) is tucked away in a convenient corner of Parco Sempione. Opened in 1906, it is beautiful, but a rather small aquarium. Home to over one-hundred species of fish, it tells a story of the mountain streams to seabeds. The are video presentations on the rare species.
The Acquario Civico is open to the public every day except Monday. Entrance is free.
Address: Viale Gadio, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
5 | Torre Branca Milan
Torre Branca is no ordinary tower!. It is narrow and made completely of steel. At 108.6 metres, Torre Branca is one of Milan’s tallest buildings. The Tower was designed by Gio Ponti and erected in just two-and-half months in time for the 5th Triennale exhibition in 1933.
Take the elevator to the top, step out to see the incredible views over the City of Milan, the skyscrapers both old and new as well as the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Timeless Travel Steps Best Tips for the Branca Tower Sempione Park Milan
A visit to Branca Tower is recommended when visiting Parco Sempione. There are 3 ways how you can experience the Branca Tower:
1 | Enjoy a glass of aperitif after exploring the beautiful park at the Branca Tower while you enjoy views over the beautiful city of Milan. Guided tour. Check availability for your chosen day>
2 | If you wish to explore the park independently, purchase your entrance ticket online. Prices start from just € 6 (April 2022). Book your experience>
Torre Branca Milan Practical Information
Opening times varies:
On mid April-mid October:
Tues and Thurs 9.30pm-midnight
Wed 10.30am-12.30pm/4pm-6.30pm/9.30pm-midnight
Fri 2.30pm-6pm/9.30pm-midnight
Sat and Sun 10.30am-12.30am/2.30pm-7.30pm/9.30pm-midnight.
On mid October-mid April:
Wed 10.30am-12.30am/4pm-6.30pm
Sat 10.30am-1pm/3pm-6.30pm/8.30-midnight
Sun 10.30am-2pm/2.30pm-7pm.
NB: The Torre Branca is closed for visits in case of bad weather.
Address: Torre Branca
Parco Sempione, viale Milton
M1-M2 Cadorna FN
T:+39.02.3314120
Practical information when visiting Parco Sempione
1 | Map of Parco Sempione
To support your visit to the Park, below is a map of Parco Sempione in Milan with markers for the 5 attractions I have listed on this post.
2 | Plan ahead
When visiting Milan, consider joining a couple of city guided tours to enhance your experiences. There are hundreds of unmissable activities in Milan for all ages and interests. Plan ahead and secure your ticket/s especially if you are planning on visiting “The Last Supper” at the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Pre-book your tickets and stay flexible with easy cancellation up to 24 hours before. Save time, avoid queues and purchase skip the line tickets for major attractions.
3 | Travel Resources
Travel resources at a Glance
Planning your dream vacation? Excellent! Here are all the Resources and Practical information you need for your self-guided or guided vacation.
1 | Legal entry/Tourist travel Visa
Check Visa requirements with iVisa, a leading independent company in the travel documentation industry.
2 | Flights
I have a few choices. Search Google flights because they offer very competitive prices. You could also try Opodo for cheap airfares. For special experiences, go to On the Beach and Jet2Holidays. My all time favourite has been Qatar Airways for long-haul flights for the comfort and their first-class service. I use British Airways as well. For all other global deals >> kiwi.com
For more choices, visit our Resources page
3 | Accommodations
My favourite website for booking hotels is booking.com – I love their flexible cancellation policy which means I’m covered till the last minute. I also like that the totals show up for the whole stay so it helps me budget better. Other favourites of mine are Millennium & Copthorne Group of Hotels and Resorts for their consistent high quality accommodations and service. You could also take a look at the Radisson Hotels chain that caters for all budget. For accommodations in UK that has a personal touch and affordable luxury, stay at Hotel du Vin.
4 | Unique experiences & tours
My all time go to resource for unique experiences and tours is Get your Guide. I am also a fan of Viator for their special deals. You shall find suggestions on recommended tours sprinkled throughout TTS on each experience I write about.
5 | Travel insurance
Never travel without travel insurance and never overpay for travel insurance! Before purchasing any any travel policy, read through the terms to ensure that the plan is right for you and your trip.
6 | Travel essentials
Never travel without these! I use and fully endorse all the products on this page but especially: High powered wireless power bank, Universal travel adapter and unlimited portable pocket wifi.
… finally
So, what do you think? Is this post valuable to you in planning your visit to Parco Sempione? If so, use the links embedded in this article and related articles to book your flight, train travel, accommodations, activities to do and travel essentials. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases and stays at no cost to you at all. You could also support TTS in other ways, if you prefer. As always, we appreciate your continued support.
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Have a splendid time exploring Parco Sempione.
ESSENTIALS FOR MILAN TRAVEL
Basics for Milan Trip
1 | From Bergamo Airport to Milan City Centre — Direct Bus Transfer
2 | From Malpensa Airport to Milan Central Station
3 | Linate Airport to Milan Central Station
4 | Private transfer from Milan Airport
6 | Entry to Milan Cathedral and Rooftop
7 | Milan Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
Recommended Read:
1 | City of Milan Guide: A Complete Resource for Travellers
2 | How to Get around Milan like a Local
4 | Milan Bucket List: 19 Very Best Things to do in Italy’s Fashion Capital
Explore Train Travel in Europe
Stay at the Millennium
Stay at Radisson
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Parco Sempione Milan, 5 must-see attractions first published at timelesstravelsteps.com and is regularly updated. Last update: April 24, 2022
Absolutely. Parco Sempione is a beautiful retreat and a breather from the hustle and bustle of Milan. Don’t get me wrong, Milan is superb as a getaway but in the midst of it all, Parco Sempione provides an oasis of greenery and means to watch the world go by 🙂
You know that Milan along with Amsterdam is our top two places in Europe to visit after Lockdowns especially the Cathedral after your IG posts. However, in a bust city it is always good to have something to hand when you need some open space to relax and reflect. Thanks for this.
Thank you so much for your compliments, Ghulam. So glad you have visited Milan and experienced the beautiful city. I hope to keep writing despite our current conditions of #stayinghome – please do subscribe and join our tribe at mytimelessfootsteps. Would love to connect with you. Have a lovely week ahead.
It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
I will 🙂 there are so many other places close to Milan I ‘need’ to discover, such as Turin and Lake Como (and probably many other!!) eheh PedroL
Thank you so very much, Pedrol. Have an awesome visit to Milan when you do. Do return here and share your experiences.
thank you for such kind feedback Georgina 🙂 will save your article for the next time i visit Milan eheh 🙂 all the best, PedroL
Hello Pedrol, greetings to you too 🙂 Sempione is pretty cool and of course, you would have a splendid time the next time you visit Milan. We will all, one day be able to travel freely…stay safe. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your lovely comments. I appreciate it very much.
Such a cool park Georgina 🙂 when I visited to Milan I didn’t went here, maybe for a future trip eheh stay safe and greetings from Portugal, PedroL