Parco Sempione (Simplon Park), Northwest Milan

Largest park in Milan with views of the city's landmarks

featured in Sights & sites

Parco Sempione, the largest park in Milan, with a total area of 47 hectares, is located just north of the city centre. It was established in the early 1800s to cater for Milan's French ruler's interest in hunting.

In 1893, Emilio Alemagna began landscaping the park in the then-popular style of the 'English Garden' to afford views to two nearby city landmarks the "Arco della Pace" (Arch of Peace) and the Sforzesco Castle.

It contains a mini-coliseum dating back to the Napoleonic period, which is today used for athletic events and the occasional outdoor concert. The Palazzo d'Arte is one of a handful of museums and galleries in the park which currently hosts the Triennale di Milano art expo. The Torre Branca, another feature of the park, provides panoramic views of the city.

The entire park is covered by a free wireless network, and inside there are cafes, bars, an area dedicated to dogs, a playground, basketball courts and public toilets.

Worth knowing

Rulers of the Roman-inspired French Empire during the Napoleonic reign used the mini-colosseum, designed in 1806 by Luigi Canonica, for open-air chariot races and mock naval battles.

Watch out for

Take a walk around the park and admire the permanent sculptures by Giorgio de Chirico, Antonio Paradiso, Arman, Francesco Barzaghi and Alberto Burri.

Visitor comments

"Amazing place, if you need a rest just go there. The buildings around are also beautiful. You can't miss this park if you are visiting Milano." - Trip Advisor
"I hadn't seen a bigger park in my life, I was left speechless when I walked through the park. Its beauty cannot be put in words!" - Trip Advisor
"Have a walk, rest a little, bathe in the sun, play with your kids, read a book.. the list goes on. Huge open space in the center of the city. Bicycle preferred." - Trip Advisor