Duomo and Sforza Castle Guided Tour in Milan

From the Duomo you'll walk to nearby Sforza Castle. Take in the grandeur of this 13th-century fortress which was once home to the Duke of Milan, and admire it's extensive museums and an art collection that includes Michelangelo's unfinished final masterpiece, Pietà Rondanini.

Milan Duomo and Sforza Castle Tour Description

Your 4-hour Milan tour includes:

• Skip-the-line entry to the Milan Duomo

• Guided tour including Baptistry and rooftop terraces

• Skip-the-line entry to Sforza Castle

• Guided tour of the castle, museums, and art collection

• View Michelangelo's unfinished final masterpiece, Pietà Rondanini

• Engaging English-speaking local guide

• Maximum group size of 15

We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise security might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Milan can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

Milan’s Duomo Cathedral

The iconic Duomo in Milan is the largest cathedral in Italy and one of largest in the entire world. There's so much see here—Milan’s cathedral is filled with historic artworks, incredible architectural features, and centuries-old crypts to explore. Follow your expert guide who'll keep you informed and entertained with the 600-year history of its construction, troubles, and the historic figures who once walked the cathedral's corridors.

The Baptistery

One of the first baptisteries to be established in the city, the underground Baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti is believed to date back to 387 A.D. and was only rediscovered at the end of the 17th century. Your guide will lead you into the fascinating archaeological site that sits within the Duomo Complex and you'll hear stories of the ceremonies that once took place in this ancient holy building and its distinctive octagonal pool.

The Rooftop Terraces

Your guide will also lead you up through the cathedral where you'll have special access to walk out onto the rooftop terraces. This is your chance to see the external architecture up close, and you'll also be treated to the ultimate view across the beautiful skyline of Milan!

Sforza Castle

After leaving the Duomo, it's a 15-minute walk through the heart of Milan to reach historic Sforza Castle, which is also known as Sforzesco Castle. Originally a 13th-century fortress to built to defend the city, it actually hosted a number of invading armies, including Spanish, French, and Austrian forces. During the 15th century it was rebuilt as home of the powerful Sforza family, and also hosted Leonardo da Vinci as a house guest for some time.

Nowadays, Sforza Castle is home to some of Milan's finest museum and art collections, and is also where Michelangelo's final masterpiece is on display. Michelangelo was 89 years old when he created Pietà Rondanini, but died a few days later leaving the piece partially unfinished. Your guide will share the stories behind this and other great works in the Sforza collection.

At the end of your half-day tour, wave goodbye to your guide and make sure you get some of their recommendations for what to do and where to eat in Milan!