Duomo and Sforza Castle Guided Tour in Milan
Join a local guide to see two Milan icons in half a day, with epic views from the basilica terraces
Visiting Milan’s iconic landmarks can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t want to miss the must-see sights. This small group tour makes it effortless to experience the best of the Duomo and Sforza Castle in just a few hours. With a passionate local guide, explore the stunning Duomo and ancient Baptistry, enjoy exclusive views from the rooftop terraces, then discover the art and history of Sforza Castle, including Michelangelo’s unfinished masterpiece.
- Meet your guide in Piazza del Duomo 1
- Explore Milan's famous basilica
- Meet the Madonnina
- Views from the Duomo rooftop terraces
- Discover the majestic 15th-century castle
- Your tour will end at Sforzesco Castle
After meeting your friendly local guide in beautiful Piazza del Duomo, you'll skip past the line to start exploring Milan's famous cathedral straight away. As you hear stories and fascinating facts of the Duomo's 600-year construction, admire the incredible artwork on display by some to the most famous artists in history. You'll then head down to the unique subterranean Baptistry before enjoying special access to the rooftop terraces for an amazing view of the city. 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 at Sforza Castle and make sure you get some of their recommendations for what to do and where to eat in Milan!
See what people are saying
3 total reviews
Leave a reviewDana Mallah
Fabulous Duomo & Sforza Castle Tour
GEORGE ROBERT DUDKOWSKI
George was incredibly knowledgeable, a real history buff!! and so accommodating. We very much enjoyed our tour with him and hope to see him again when we visit Milano. We highly recommend him!!!
Excellent tour!
Curtis Bauer
Georgio is a fountain of knowledge and the soul of hospitality. Exceptionally well rounded and informative tour. Could not be happier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
This is a walking tour so please wear some comfortable shoes, and you'll need to be able to cover your knees and shoulders while inside the cathedral. Helmets, large bags, and glass objects are prohibited at the Duomo.
What to bring?
This is a walking tour so please wear some comfortable shoes, and you'll need to be able to cover your knees and shoulders while inside the cathedral. Helmets, large bags, and glass objects are prohibited at the Duomo.
What should I NOT bring?
Please avoid bringing large bags and backpacks as they aren't allowed in the cathedral.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Milan.
Does this tour skip the line?
Yes. These attractions only attract long lines at the very busiest times, but your guide will help you skip the line if needed.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
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. Please avoid wearing sports-club t-shirts.
What happens if it rains?
We run our historical Milan tours rain or shine.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, but your guide will be happy to recommend one of their favorite spots.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Kids are welcome on this tour, and children aged 3 and under may join for free, while kids aged 4-12 pay a reduced fee.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour is not wheelchair accessible. You will take the elevator to go up to the terraces, and once there, you will need to climb an additional 80 steps. To descend from the tower, you must go down 250 steps. If you have any specific requirements, please feel free to let us know in advance.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You will meet your guide at the designated meeting point.
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