Branca Tower

Also known as Torre Littoria, Torre Branca is a structure commissioned in the 1930s by Benito Mussolini that stands within Parco Sempione, considered Milan’s green lung. The architect Giò Ponti and engineers Chiodi and Ferrari were tasked with realising this project in 1932.

The then-government took great pride in the fact that the work, carried out by Angelo Bombelli Costruzioni Metalliche, was completed in 1933 in just “68 working days”. Thanks to this speed, the Tower was inaugurated on 10 August 1933 to mark the opening of the V Triennale di Milano.

Standing at “merely” 108.6 metres tall, Torre Branca is the eleventh highest building in Lombardy’s capital, but its height was deliberately limited by Mussolini, who refused to allow construction of a building taller than the Madonnina del Duomo. Built from Dalmine tubing of special steel, from the outset an elevator manufactured by Stigler’s mechanical workshops allowed visitors to reach the top in 30 seconds.

At the tower’s highest point was an elegant restaurant and a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views across the city. A lantern was initially installed at the summit, but this was later replaced by a radio-television transmission system.

Visiting Torre Branca

Following the Second World War, the Tower fell into disrepair and was completely closed to the public in the early 1970s. In the 1990s, however, the Branca family, originally from Milan and involved in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages, decided to give the complex a new lease of life. The Branca brothers, after purchasing the structure, carried out a comprehensive restoration, reopening the Tower in 2002.

Today, Torre Branca still houses some radio repeaters, but is primarily used for tourism. A modern lift allows visitors to ascend nearly to the top, five at a time, reaching the observation deck which on clear days offers views as far as the Alps. The restaurant has been relocated to the base of the Tower and features large windows overlooking the Park, providing diners with excellent views.

Torre Branca Tickets

Ticket prices for visiting Torre Branca are:

• €6.00 full price (adults aged 7 and over)
• €5.00 reduced (children aged 4–6)
• Free entry on Wednesdays for school groups and pensioners.

Opening hours

Visiting hours at Torre Branca vary depending on the season and are regularly updated on the official website. Generally speaking, Torre Branca is open:

• Tuesday to Friday 10:30–12:30 and 15:00–18:30
• Saturday: 10:30–14:00, 14:30–19:00, 20:30–00:00
• Sunday 10:30–14:00 and 14:30–19:30

Torre Branca remains closed in case of high winds or bad weather.

How to reach Torre Branca

Torre Branca is easily accessible by underground, taking the Red Line M1 or the Green Line M2 to “Cadorna FN” station. Other nearby stops are “Lanza” (Green Line M2) and “Cairoli Castello” (Red Line M1).