Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Milan audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~60 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type park
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Milan Milan guide
About Parco Sempione
Milan's largest central park (47 hectares), laid out in English landscape style behind Castello Sforzesco, with the Arco della Pace triumphal arch at its western end and the iconic Triennale design museum.
Parco Sempione is Milan's great green lung, a 47-hectare English landscape park stretching behind the Castello Sforzesco to the Arco della Pace (Arc of Peace) at the western end. The park was designed by Emilio Alemagna in 1888 on the former hunting grounds and parade grounds of the Sforzas, incorporating the castle moat area into its landscape. Within the park stands the Torre Branca (a 108.6-metre steel observation tower designed by Gio Ponti in 1933, open for rides with city views), the Acquario Civico (civic aquarium, 1906), the Arena Civica (a 1806 neoclassical amphitheatre used for events), and the Triennale di Milano, the city's great design museum, home of the permanent collection of Italian design and regular international design exhibitions. The Arco della Pace at the park's western end was commissioned by Napoleon and completed in 1838.
Did you know? The Arco della Pace was commissioned by Napoleon for his grand entrance into Milan as Emperor, but it wasn't completed until 1838, long after Napoleon's death in 1821.
How long should you spend at Parco Sempione?
Plan about ~60 min at Parco Sempione. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Parco Sempione worth visiting?
Parco Sempione is one of the 32 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Milan, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Milan
Hear the story of Parco Sempione
Preview the Milan tour free in the Gingerguide app.