The Merlate panoramiche of Castello Sforzesco and the Ghirlanda
The Merlate panoramiche
The walkway runs along a stretch of the walls, with the rooftops of Milan on one side and the courtyards on the other. It is organized by the castle with partner associations, and it is a castle product, not a platform’s: you go through the Info Point, take a turn, and go up. Each turn departs every 20 minutes and holds a maximum of 25 people; on a sunny Saturday, the early afternoon slots fill up, while on a November Friday you’ll go up almost alone. Access is included in the single museum ticket, so also on free days. There are stairs: narrow, brick, with handrails, and there is no elevator to get there. What is accessible and what is not.
The Covered Road of the Ghirlanda
The Ghirlanda was the outer enclosure of the castle, demolished starting in August 1892 when Beltrami’s restoration began.All that remains is the covered road, an underground passage running beneath the moat, and it is the part of the castle that people call the secret passages. It can only be visited with the castle’s guided tours on fixed dates; it is not included in the regular ticket and is not part of any of the six online offers. In 2024, a georadar study documented other underground passages, including the one tradition links to Santa Maria delle Grazie: documented, but not visitable.
Merlate on Friday afternoon, museums right after: the same ticket covers both, and at that time Piazza d’Armi is half-empty.
The online offer with rooftop access
Among the six options, there’s one that combines the entrance ticket, an in-app audio guide, and optionally a walk on the roofs and battlements. It should be described as it is: a self-guided visit of about two hours; the ticket is collected in the city, not at the castle gate; the rooftop route involves stairs; the listing states it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues; no animals, suitcases, or large bags; some museum areas may be temporarily closed. Meeting point in Piazza Castello, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If you only want the battlements, the castle already includes them in the standard ticket; if you also want the audio guide and a reserved time slot, then it makes sense. Audio guides, explained.
What works
- The castle’s battlements are included in the museum ticket
- Tours every 20 minutes, no reservation needed
- View of the roofs and courtyards that you can’t see from below
Good to know
- Only from Friday to Sunday
- Stairs, no elevator to the walkway
- The Ghirlanda can only be seen on scheduled guided tours
Ticket + audioguide, with Merlate panoramiche optionCastello Sforzesco entrance ticket with audioguide
Museum ticket + audioguide appMilan: Castello Sforzesco entry ticket with digital audio guide
Ticket with audio guide and optional rooftop access
Entrance and in-app audio guide, self-guided visit of about two hours, rooftop climb as an option, with stairs. Ticket pickup in the city, meeting point in Piazza Castello. The castle includes its own Merlate panoramiche in the museum ticket.
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb the walls of Castello Sforzesco?
Yes, with the Merlate panoramiche of the castle, from Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, starting from the Info Point, with the museum ticket. All opening hours.
What are the secret routes of the castle?
This usually refers to the Ghirlanda Covered Passage, the walkway under the moat, which can only be visited on the castle’s scheduled guided tours. The Ghirlanda in the castle’s history.
Are the Merlate panoramiche accessible by wheelchair?
No, you have to climb stairs and there is no elevator. The courtyards, however, are flat and step-free. The castle’s accessibility.
Do you need to book the Merlate panoramiche in advance?
No, you get a time slot at the Info Point; each slot has a maximum of 25 people, so on sunny Saturdays it’s best to arrive early. The day, step by step.