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.
What You Get With This Tour
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Passionate Englsih-speaking guide
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Skip-the-line Duomo Complex tickets
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Skip-the-line Sforza Castle tickets
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Duomo terraces
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Passionate Englsih-speaking guide
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Skip-the-line Duomo Complex tickets
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Skip-the-line Sforza Castle tickets
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Duomo terraces
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Pietà di Rondanini
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Group size of 15 people
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Passionate Englsih-speaking guide
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Skip-the-line Duomo Complex tickets
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Skip-the-line Sforza Castle tickets
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Duomo terraces
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Pietà di Rondanini
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Group size of 15 people
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Guide gratuities
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Hotel pickup
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Lunch
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide in Piazza del Duomo 1
Duomo and Sforza Castle Guided Tour in Milan -
2
Explore Milan's famous basilica
The iconic Duomo in Milan is the largest cathedral in Italy and one of largest in the entire world -
3
Meet the Madonnina
A symbol of the city since 1774, see the iconic golden Virgin Mary sculpture -
4
Views from the Duomo 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. -
5
Discover the majestic 15th-century castle
Originally a 13th-century fortress, it was rebuilt as home of the powerful Sforza family, and also hosted Leonardo da Vinci as a house guest for some time -
6
Your tour will end at Sforzesco Castle
Michelangelo was 89 years old when he created Pietà Rondanini, but died a few days later leaving the piece partially unfinished
Additional Information
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 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.
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Customer Reviews
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!!!
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.
