Torre Branca – different names, one tower

Located in Milan’s Parco Sempione, Torre Branca is a striking iron tower that exemplifies the pinnacle of modern architecture and engineering. Designed by the esteemed Gio Ponti, the tower was unveiled in 1933 during the era of fascist rule and was initially named “Torre Littoria” in tribute to fascism. Its name was changed to “Torre del Parco” (Park Tower) after World War II and later became Torre Branca in 2002 following extensive renovations undertaken by the Branca distillery company.

Torre Branca: modern architecture and panoramic views

Measuring 108.6 meters, the Branca Tower is the sixth tallest structure in Milan, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, the Alps, the Apennines, and part of the Po Valley on sunny days.

As one of Milan’s tallest structures, the tower provides a unique view of the city’s architectural wonders, including the skyscrapers of the Isola district, Sempione Park, the Sforza castle, the roof of the Duomo, and the overall Milan skyline.

The tower’s design is a marvel of modern architecture, characterized by a slender, transparent structure that was built in a record time of just two and a half months. Its main structure is a pyramid with a hexagonal section, built from special steel tubes known as Dalmine tubes, which are connected by flanges and bolts.

Torre Branca’s history reflects the city’s evolution and its role in promoting modern architecture and art. It was built during the 5th Triennale Exhibition, marking Milan’s “European exclusivity” for the triennial exhibition of decorative arts, industrial and modern architecture. The restoration and reopening of the tower in 2002 symbolized a new era of creativity and innovation for Milan, and Branca aimed to restore the city’s pride through this unique landmark.

Opening hours

The opening hours from October 1, 2023 to May 1, 2024 are as follows:

Wednesday: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm | 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm
(On Wednesdays, admission is free for school groups and retirees).
Friday: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm | 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. – 00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:30 – 14:00 | 14:30 – 19:00

In case of high winds or bad weather, Torre Branca will be closed.

Tower tickets

The cost of going to the top by elevator and staying 6-10 minutes – 6 euros

Buy a ticket for Torre Branca:

Branca Tower: entrance ticket

How to get to Torre Branca

To reach Torre Branca by public transportation, you have several options:

Metro: You can take the M1 subway (red line) to Cairoli or Cadorna stations or the M2 subway (green line) to Cadorna or Lanza stations.
Bus: Several bus lines, including lines 43, 57, 61, 70, and 94, serve the area around Torre Branca.
Tram: Tram lines 1, 2, 4, 12, 14, 19, and 27 can also reach the vicinity of the tower.