Milan Public Transportation Stops - Central Interchange at the Foot of Castello Sforzesco

Central Interchange at the Foot of Castello Sforzesco

Cadorna FN is a major interchange station on the Milan Metro, located in the Sforzesco neighborhood of Municipio 1. It serves both Line 1 (Red Line) and Line 2 (Green Line), and is directly connected to the Milano Cadorna railway station, operated by Trenord. The metro station opened on 1 November 1964 (Line 1) and became an interchange with Line 2 on 3 March 1978. It is a central point for commuters transferring between regional trains, suburban lines, and the metro system.

Positioned near Piazzale Cadorna and just steps from the Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione, the station is surrounded by important cultural and civic landmarks. The area is also home to the iconic 'Needle, Thread and Knot' sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, symbolizing Milan's connection to fashion and industry. The station has multiple entrances, escalators, elevators, and modern signage to accommodate high passenger volumes. Cadorna FN plays a critical role in Milan's transportation infrastructure, linking local transit with Malpensa Express airport trains and key civic institutions in the historical city center.

District: Municipio 1
Neighborhood: Sforzesco
Connections:
- Metro:
  - M2
- Suburban-rail:
  - S3
  - S4

Milano Cadorna: Gateway to the City and Beyond

Milano Cadorna Station is one of Milan's most strategically important transportation hubs, located in the historic Sforzesco neighborhood within Municipio 1. Originally opened in 1879 and extensively renovated in the late 1990s by architect Gae Aulenti, the station blends modern function with a nod to Milan's architectural legacy. It serves as the primary terminus for Ferrovienord regional trains and the Malpensa Express, offering a direct link to Milan Malpensa Airport. Cadorna is also an essential interchange for the M1 and M2 metro lines, trams, and urban buses, making it one of the city's busiest and best-connected transit points.

The area surrounding the station is more than just a transit zone—it is framed by cultural landmarks and green spaces like Parco Sempione and Castello Sforzesco. The iconic needle-and-thread sculpture 'Ago, Filo e Nodo' by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen stands prominently at the station entrance, symbolizing Milan's fashion identity. Nearby streets offer quick access to prestigious institutions, elegant cafes, and boutiques, linking the practical utility of the station with the vibrancy of Milanese daily life. Whether arriving from the airport or navigating the city's core, Milano Cadorna remains a vital landmark bridging history, infrastructure, and urban sophistication.

Castello Sforzesco: Milan's Timeless Fortress of Culture

Castello Sforzesco is one of Milan's most iconic landmarks, rising at the edge of the Sforzesco neighborhood in Municipio 1. Originally built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, the castle has served many roles over the centuries—from fortress and military barracks to Renaissance court and cultural complex. Today, it houses a vast network of museums and archives, including the Museum of Ancient Art, the Egyptian Museum, and the Pietà Rondanini Museum, which preserves Michelangelo's final sculpture. The castle's massive red-brick towers and internal courtyards attract both history enthusiasts and casual visitors year-round.

Beyond its walls, Castello Sforzesco serves as the grand entrance to Parco Sempione, Milan's largest central park, creating a seamless blend of history, art, and green space in the heart of the city. The castle's strategic location also links it to major nearby sites such as Piazza Cairoli, Via Dante, and the Brera district. Its halls host frequent art exhibitions, cultural events, and concerts, reinforcing its role as a living cultural center. Whether admired for its architectural grandeur or explored for its trove of historical treasures, Castello Sforzesco remains a cornerstone of Milanese identity and civic pride.

Triennale Milano: A Landmark of Design and Innovation

Triennale Milano, located in the Palazzo dell'Arte near the edge of Parco Sempione in the Sforzesco neighborhood, is one of Italy's most prestigious cultural institutions. Founded in 1923 and permanently housed in its current building since 1933, Triennale Milano was established to promote Italian design, architecture, and the visual arts on an international stage. The building itself, designed by Giovanni Muzio, is a hallmark of rationalist architecture and serves as a striking backdrop for exhibitions, events, and permanent collections. It hosts the renowned Triennale International Exhibition every three years, attracting artists, designers, and thinkers from across the globe.

Beyond design, Triennale Milano is a multidisciplinary hub featuring temporary exhibitions, theater performances, and public lectures that explore contemporary themes in society, technology, and culture. The institution also hosts the Museo del Design Italiano, which highlights iconic works of Italian industrial design from the 20th and 21st centuries. Its location within Parco Sempione offers a unique setting that merges creative inspiration with leisure and green space, while its rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of the Castello Sforzesco and Milan skyline. Triennale Milano continues to play a vital role in shaping Milan's reputation as a world capital of design and innovation.

Parco Sempione: Milan's Green Heart Behind the Castle

Parco Sempione is a central and expansive public park located directly behind the historic Castello Sforzesco in the Sforzesco neighborhood of Milan's Municipio 1. Designed in the late 19th century by architect Emilio Alemagna, the park was inspired by English landscape gardens and covers approximately 38 hectares. It offers scenic walking paths, ornamental lakes, wide open lawns, and shaded wooded areas, making it a popular retreat for residents and visitors seeking relaxation amid Milan's urban pace. The park's layout encourages both leisure and exploration, connecting major landmarks such as the Castello Sforzesco, the Arco della Pace, and Triennale Milano.

In addition to its natural beauty, Parco Sempione is home to significant cultural and architectural attractions. Visitors can find the Torre Branca, a panoramic steel tower designed by Gio Ponti, offering sweeping views over Milan. The park also features the historic Arena Civica, an early 19th-century neoclassical stadium still used for sporting and cultural events. Sculptures, fountains, and modern art installations dot the grounds, adding visual interest and depth to the landscape. With its blend of historic relevance, recreational value, and cultural integration, Parco Sempione remains a vital green lung and social space in the heart of Milan.