Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) in Milan, a large urban Park located in the historic part of Milan, just a mile from the main attractions of Milan - Duomo.
The Park was established in the late nineteenth century on the site of the former parade ground of the Castello Sforzesco and occupies an area of 386 000 m2.
The Park has plenty of greenery, broken walkways, places for relaxation, fountains, children's and basketball courts, a small cafe.
Also in the Park you can see the majestic plane trees, bright parrots, the lake, which is home to ducks and turtles.
The bridge of the Little Mermaids or just Mermaids bridge (Ponte delle Sirenette). This is the first iron bridge in Italy. The bridge of the mermaids was opened in 1842 and originally crossed the canal at San Damiano, and in 1930 moved to the Sempione Park, which is to this day. The bridge is decorated with four statues depicting mermaids. During the dismantling of Parco Sempione the cast iron railing were damaged and repaired steel pipes. After the restoration in 2001-2003 the railings were reconstructed according to the original design.
In addition to its primary task - walking and recreation, the Park is famous and some famous historic sites included in the list of some of the most visited places in Milan.
Sforza Castle
Sforza castle or Castello Sforzesco (Castello Sforzesco) is one of the main symbols of the history of Milan. The castle was built in the fifteenth century by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, on the remains of previous fortifications Dating back to the fourteenth century.
Throughout its long history the Church has repeatedly undergone significant transformation. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the biggest citadels in Europe.
Currently the castle has been restored and with open arms welcomes guests. Outside the castle you can see the impressive walls and towers and several gates located on four sides of the fortress.
The inner part of the castle is divided into open areas - the three courtyards, the main - the largest and two smaller ones - the Rocchetta and the Ducal court. And in the castle walls is the Museum castle complex Sforza, consisting of libraries and several museums. Read more about Sforza castle in Milan...
Peace Arch
Historic monument Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace) is a triumphal arch, one of the major neo-classical monuments in Milan located in the Northern part of the Park.
The arch was inaugurated on 10 September 1838, and dedicated to peace between the European peoples, achieved in 1815.
Also in the Park Sempione is possible to allocate:
Equestrian monument to Napoleon III (Monumento a Napoleone III)
Torre Branca
The metal tower of the Torre Branca, or the White Tower (Torre Branca) original Littoria Torre (Torre Littoria) has 108,60 metres high.
At the top of the tower is an observation deck that you can climb and admire the Milan and surroundings from the height of bird flight. The cost of lifting about 5 Euros.
Opening hours Torre Branca:
- from mid-September to mid-may: Wednesday - 10:30 - 12:30 / 16:00 - 18:30; on Saturday - 10:30 - 13:00 / 15:00 - 18:30 / 20:30 - 00:00; Sunday - 10:30 - 14:00 / 14:30 - 19:00. Wednesday free lift for school children and pensioners.
- from mid-may to mid-September: Tuesday - 15:30 - 19:00; Wednesday - 10.30 - 12.30 / 15:00 - 19:00; Thursday and Friday - 15:30 - 19:00 / 20:30 - 00:00; Saturday - 10:30 - 14:00 / 14:30 - 19:30 / 20:30 - 00:00; Sunday - 10:30 - 14:00 / 14:30 - 19:30. Wednesday free lift for school children and pensioners.
In case of bad weather or strong winds Torre Branca closed.
Milan Triennale
Milan Triennial (La Triennale di Milano) - the Museum of art and design. International cultural institution, which conducts exhibitions, conferences and various events of art: design, architecture, fashion, movies, etc.
Aquarium (Acquario Civico di Milano)
Was founded in 1906 as part of the Milan international exposition and is the only pavilion built in Parco Sempione Park, which was not dismantled after the event ended. It is the third oldest in Europe, the aquarium.
Opening hours aquarium: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:30 (last admission at 17.00)
Tickets: € 5,00 for adults, € 3,00 for children and grace.
Free entrance: in the last hour of opening (16:30); every Tuesday from 14:00.
Also in the Park are: the arena, where a range of events and festivals, the remains of historic buildings, other museums and sculptures.
All accommodation facilities in Milan, including in the city center and more remote from it, can be viewed and booked here
