Panoramic city view in Parco Sempione
Torre Branca is a 108.6-meter steel observation tower by Gio Ponti in Parco Sempione. It offers a fast lift ride to a belvedere with broad skyline views on clear days.
[1][3]Milan visitor guide
Torre Branca
Torre Branca is a 108.6-meter steel observation tower by Gio Ponti in Parco Sempione. It offers a fast lift ride to a belvedere with broad skyline views on clear days.
Photo by Michael Immanuel Santana
The story behind the place
A 1930s landmark reborn as Torre Branca
Torre Branca began life in 1933 as Torre Littoria, a modern steel tower set in Parco Sempione. Designed by Gio Ponti with Cesare Chiodi, it was meant to be an emblem of contemporary Milan and a bold presence in the city’s skyline. The tower’s height, 108.6 meters, was deliberately set to sit just below the Madonnina on the Duomo, preserving the symbolic hierarchy of the city. Over time, the tower became more than an architectural statement: in the late 1930s it even hosted a transmitter used in early experimental television broadcasting. After years of closure, it was restored with support from Fratelli Branca and reopened under the name Torre Branca, turning a once-forgotten monument back into a public viewpoint and a recognizable Milanese landmark.
[3][1]Know before you go
Plan your visit
Go in clear weather; check closures
Hours vary seasonally, and the tower stays closed in wind or bad weather. Clear days are best for the skyline view.
[1][3]Quick facts
Torre Branca FAQ
Yes. The official site recommends advance contact; online booking is available.
The official site lists a €9 ticket; VisitMilano’s page mentions €6, so verify before going.
Plan for about 6–7 minutes at the tower itself.
Cairoli on M1 and Cadorna on M2 are the main nearby metro stops.
No child-specific policy is stated on the official page; note the lift is limited to 5 people per ride.
The tower closes when there is wind or bad weather.
Itineraries featuring Torre Branca
Places nearby
Visitor guide
Parco Sempione
Large historic English-style park in the heart of Milan, with trees, paths, bridges, a pond, sculptures, and views onto major landmarks like Castello Sforzesco, Triennale, and the Civic Aquarium.
Visitor guide
Piazza del Carmine
A small square in Brera centered on Santa Maria del Carmine; useful mainly as a stop for the church, the cloister setting, and nearby historic streets rather than as a standalone monument.
Visitor guide
Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
The basilica is one of Milan’s most important churches, tied to Saint Ambrose and the city’s religious identity. The official site highlights its long history, archival treasures, and role in Milan’s spiritual and civic formation; YesMilano calls it a major Romanesque landmark and a must-see in the city.
Sources
Last updated September 26, 2026
- 1.La Torre Branca – Collezione Branca Collezione Branca · accessed September 22, 2026
- 2.Prenota la tua visita – Collezione Branca Collezione Branca · accessed September 22, 2026
- 3.Branca Tower: a perfect landmark for aperitivo Visit Milano · accessed September 22, 2026