Arco della Pace is a monumental arch in Piazza Sempione, at the edge of Parco Sempione in Milan. From Hotel Parma, it is about 1.2 km and an 18-minute walk, so you can visit the arch and continue into the park on foot.
- Location: Piazza Sempione, beside Parco Sempione.
- What to expect: A three-opening arch topped by a bronze chariot.
- Park hours: 6:00 am to 24:00 from April through September; 6:00 am to 22:00 from October through March.
Where does Arco della Pace stand?
Arco della Pace stands in Piazza Sempione, where Parco Sempione ends and Corso Sempione begins. Its position makes it a natural point to start or finish a walk through the park.
The arch was designed by Luigi Cagnola. Construction began in 1807, stopped in 1814, and resumed in 1826 under Francis I of Austria; the monument was inaugurated in 1838. It rises 25 meters and spans 24 meters, with three openings beneath the Sestiga della Pace: a bronze chariot drawn by six horses.
How do you walk to Arco della Pace?
Set off on foot toward Piazza Sempione, where the arch stands at the park’s edge. The route details provided do not specify individual turns, so use a map for street-by-street directions.
If you are planning a broader day on foot, you can also use this one-day Milan route to connect the arch with other parts of the city.
What can you see around the arch?
The arch and Piazza Sempione make up the immediate focus: the monument’s three openings frame the open space, while the six-horse chariot sits above it. Since the arch is visible from outside, you can take in its main features from the piazza without arranging an interior visit.
Nearby landmarks within and around Parco Sempione include the Arena Civica, Triennale, Castello Sforzesco, and Civic Aquarium. These give you options for extending the outing beyond the piazza, depending on how much of the area you want to cover.
How can you pair the visit with Parco Sempione?
Pair the arch with a walk through Parco Sempione by approaching from the piazza, then following one of the park’s paths. The Comune di Milano lists the park’s area as 386,000 square meters and names Emilio Alemagna as its designer; it was created in 1893.
The park has running and cycling avenues, a fitness trail, a children’s play area, a basketball court, four dog areas, and kiosks. For more ideas for green spaces around the city, see this guide to parks in Milan.
Park hours are 6:00 am to 24:00 from April through September and 6:00 am to 22:00 from October through March. The Comune di Milano lists entrances on Via Pagano, Via Bertani, Piazza Castello, Viale Elvezia, Viale Milton, Viale Gladio, Viale Alemagna, Via Legnano, Via Principe Eugenio, and Via Ammiraglio Caracciolo.
Practical notes for your visit
You can view Arco della Pace from outside. Interior visits are rare and usually limited to special weekends or events, so plan around the exterior monument and the surrounding piazza.
Before you go, check the official site for Parco Sempione’s current opening hours and visit information.
FAQs
Is Arco della Pace inside Parco Sempione?
It stands in Piazza Sempione at the end of Parco Sempione, where the park meets Corso Sempione.
Can you go inside Arco della Pace?
The arch is visible from outside. Interior visits are rare and usually limited to special weekends or events.
What is on top of Arco della Pace?
The Sestiga della Pace, a bronze chariot drawn by six horses, crowns the arch.