Duomo and Sforza Castle Guided Tour in Milan

Milan Duomo and Sforza Castle Tour Description

Your 4-hour Milan tour includes:

• Skip-the-line entry to the Milan Duomo

• Guided tour including the 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 tour begins in the beating heart of Milan: Piazza del Duomo. Here stands the city’s most iconic symbol — the majestic Duomo Cathedral. As the largest cathedral in Italy and one of the largest in the world, the Duomo is a marvel of Gothic architecture that took nearly six centuries to complete. With your expert English-speaking guide, you’ll skip the long lines and dive into a fascinating journey through time.

Inside, the cathedral reveals a world of wonders: towering columns, intricate mosaics, colorful stained-glass windows that flood the space with light, and countless statues — each with its own story. Your guide will walk you through the Duomo’s dramatic history, from the ambitious vision that gave it life, to the challenges faced during its construction, to the famous figures who left their mark on this sacred place. You’ll also uncover hidden gems, like the mysterious relics and the exact number of spires that rise above the roof — a detail even many locals don’t know.

The Rooftop Terraces

From the grandeur of the interior, the experience continues skyward. Your guide will lead you up to the legendary rooftop terraces — one of the absolute highlights of the tour. Walking among the spires and pinnacles, you’ll see the cathedral’s elaborate external architecture up close, with its delicate marble carvings and breathtaking views. This is the perfect place to soak in the full beauty of Milan from above. The city's skyline stretches out before you — from the modern skyscrapers of Porta Nuova to the distant Alps on clear days. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity and a moment to truly appreciate the scale and splendor of the Duomo.

Sforza Castle

Leaving the Duomo behind, your guide will take you on a pleasant 15-minute stroll through Milan’s historic center to reach another of the city’s most treasured landmarks: Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco). Originally built as a 13th-century fortress, it later became a noble residence for the powerful Sforza dynasty, who transformed it into a hub of Renaissance art and culture.

The castle has a storied past, having endured sieges and occupations by French, Spanish, and Austrian forces. It even served as a temporary home for Leonardo da Vinci, who left his artistic influence within its walls. Today, Sforza Castle houses several of Milan’s most important museums and art collections — including the final masterpiece by Michelangelo, the Pietà Rondanini. Though unfinished, this moving sculpture reflects the depth of the artist’s late-life spirituality and genius. As your half-day tour comes to a close at Sforza Castle, take a moment to enjoy the peaceful courtyards and majestic towers. Before saying goodbye, be sure to ask your guide for local recommendations — whether it's where to find the best gelato, a charming hidden café, or the next museum to explore.