During our family trip to Milan, we explored two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Duomo di Milano and Sforza Castle. We booked a private three-hour City Highlights Walking Tour through GetYourGuide, which allowed us to customize our route and move at a pace that worked for our kids—especially helpful when those inevitable emergency potty breaks popped up. With sites as massive and busy as these, having a guide to lead the way made the experience much more manageable and enjoyable for everyone.
The Duomo di Milano: History
The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, is a marvel of Gothic architecture and the very heart of the city. Construction began in 1386, and over the centuries, countless architects and artisans contributed to its design. There are 3,400 statues, 135 spires, and many gargoyles. The project spanned nearly six centuries, with the final details completed in 1965.
The Duomo di Milano: Rooftop Tour
One of the highlights of our tour was visiting the Duomo’s rooftop. Our GetYourGuide tickets included skip-the-line access and elevator rides to the top, which was a lifesaver on a hot July morning when the lines were already long. Walking among the spires, we marveled at the intricate carvings and statues—frogs, pelicans, and deer were some of the kids’ favorite discoveries. Finding unique animal carvings is a great activity for children. The slanted marble roof quickly became a makeshift slide, so I was grateful to have packed a change of clothes! Note: strollers must be folded on the rooftop, and the descent is by stairs.
The Duomo di Milano: Interior Tour
Inside the Duomo, our guide pointed out some of the cathedral’s most fascinating features. The statue of St. Bartholomew (flayed and holding his own skin) was both eerie and impressive. The 55 stained glass windows bathed the nave in colorful light, and the meridian line with its inlaid zodiac signs—once used as a sundial—captured the kids’ imaginations. It was also a welcome break for the little ones to sit in the pews while we learned about the history and artistry of the space.
Sforza Castle: History
After a short 15-minute walk, we arrived at Sforza Castle, built on the ruins of a Roman fortress and later home to the Dukes of Milan. The castle’s vast courtyards and imposing walls immediately transported us back in time, and our guide shared stories of the dukes and their court.
Sforza Castle: Interior Courtyards
We explored the castle’s free interior courtyards, learning that Leonardo da Vinci was once part of Duke Ludovico Sforza’s court and even painted frescoes. The kids were fascinated to hear that the dukes would ride their horses inside the castle grounds. The courtyards are stroller-friendly, making it easy to navigate with little ones in tow.
Overall, having a private guide made all the difference in navigating Milan’s most famous sites with kids. If I could change one thing, I’d shorten the Duomo portion of the tour, as the kids started to get restless toward the end. Still, the memories—and the views—were absolutely worth it.