Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione is located behind Sforza Castle, stretching from the castle in the north to the Arco della Pace in the south, and is an urban green space in the center of Milan. The park was planned and designed by architect Emilio Alemagna at the end of the 19th century, modeled after English landscape gardens. It features rolling hills and valleys, winding irregular paths, ponds and canals, and scattered flower beds. The vegetation is diverse, with dozens of tree species such as cedars, ginkgo, plane trees, and tulip trees distributed throughout the park. Ecological volunteers have marked two botanical trails in the park, allowing visitors to identify the morphological characteristics of different tree species.

The park is dotted with various buildings and art installations. The towering Branca Tower is a vantage point where, on clear days, you can see the Alps and the Milan city skyline. The Milan Civic Aquarium was built in the early 20th century and is one of the oldest aquariums in Europe. In addition, there are art installations such as the "Little Mermaid Bridge" moved from the Navigli canals, Giorgio de Chirico's sculpture "Mysterious Baths," and the "Teatro Continuo" designed by Alberto Burri. Wild ducks often inhabit the ponds, and the shade is a daily spot for locals to jog, walk their dogs, and have picnics. Walking from the castle side along the park's main axis toward the Arco della Pace, you can experience the spatial evolution of this garden as it progresses from classical to modern.