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Historic Gateway to Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione

Cairoli is a station on Line 1 of the Milan Metro, located in the Sforzesco neighborhood of Municipio 1. It opened on 1 November 1964 as part of the original segment of the Red Line from Sesto Marelli to Lotto. The station lies directly beneath Largo Cairoli, a prominent square adjacent to the main entrance of Castello Sforzesco, one of Milan's most iconic historical landmarks. Due to its location, the stop is popular with tourists, students, and locals accessing cultural sites, green spaces, and educational institutions nearby.

The station is underground, with two side platforms and two tracks, and includes elevators and other accessibility features. Cairoli provides convenient pedestrian access to Parco Sempione, the Biblioteca Trivulziana, and the Civic Museums housed in the castle complex. It is also located near Via Dante, a major pedestrian shopping and dining street that connects the castle to Piazza Cordusio. As part of the M1 Red Line, Cairoli links efficiently to Cadorna, Duomo, and other central stations, making it an important stop in the historical and cultural heart of Milan.

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.

The Cairoli Fountain: Gateway to Milan's Historic Core

Fontana di Piazza Cairoli is a striking circular fountain that anchors the center of Piazza Cairoli in the Sforzesco neighborhood of Municipio 1, Milan. Located between the bustling Largo Cairoli metro station and the grand entrance to Castello Sforzesco, the fountain provides a visual and acoustic pause in one of Milan's most transited pedestrian zones. The fountain's elegant jets and granite basin create a tranquil centerpiece surrounded by well-maintained gardens and public seating. It is especially appreciated during summer months, when the sound and mist of flowing water offer relief from Milan's urban heat.

Piazza Cairoli itself is named after the Cairoli brothers, figures of the Italian Risorgimento, and serves as a symbolic and logistical bridge between the historical and modern parts of the city. The fountain is flanked by mature trees, flower beds, and views of Milan's iconic architecture, including the looming Castello Sforzesco directly to the north. This location is also a key node in Milan's transportation and tourism network, with tram lines, metro access, and sightseeing routes all converging here. Whether as a meeting point, a place to relax, or simply a photographic backdrop, the Cairoli Fountain is an understated yet essential part of Milan's historic urban identity.

Via Dante: A Regal Pedestrian Boulevard Linking Past and Present

Via Dante is one of Milan's most prominent pedestrian streets, stretching from Largo Cairoli near Castello Sforzesco to Piazza Cordusio. Located in the heart of the Sforzesco neighborhood within Municipio 1, this elegant thoroughfare is lined with 19th-century neoclassical buildings, boutique stores, and outdoor cafés. It offers both locals and tourists a lively atmosphere filled with street performers, shoppers, and cultural activity. Its central location and visual axis toward the castle make it one of the city's most photographed and walked streets.

This historic boulevard was named after Dante Alighieri and opened in the late 19th century as part of Milan's urban modernization. Today, it remains a car-free zone that invites strolling, dining, and people-watching throughout the day and into the evening. Via Dante also serves as a critical connector between Milan's medieval fortress and the financial and commercial zone clustered around Cordusio. With consistent tram and metro access nearby and several major attractions within walking distance, Via Dante functions as both a historic and practical link within Milan's urban core.