The History of Milan: Leonardo, the Sforza Castle, and the Codex Atlanticus in Milan - Leonardo_tour3.jpg
5.0

The History of Milan: Leonardo, the Sforza Castle, and the Codex Atlanticus

  • 2 hours
  • City Highlight Tours
  • Milan
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Your local for this experience

Experience hosted by Withlocals

  • Private Tour
  • Carbon Neutral

Step into the world of Leonardo da Vinci on a tour that dives deep into his fascinating connection with Milan. This isn’t your typical history tour—it’s a journey focused on Leonardo’s legacy, including his time at the Sforza Castle and the creation of the Codex Atlanticus. Led by a passionate local history expert, you'll uncover stories and details about Milan’s Renaissance that can’t be found in any book, all through the lens of Leonardo’s genius.

Destination
Milan, Italy
Category
City Highlight Tours
Duration
2 hours
Transport mode
Walking tour
Available languages
English
Included
  • Private Guide
  • Entrance ticket Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie(the Last Supper) and Museums at Sforza Castle
  • All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral
Excluded
  • Entrance tickets
  • Mondays the Museums within Sforza Castle are closed
  • Wednesdays the Bibliioteca Ambrosiana is closed

6 reasons to book this tour

  • Dive into the intriguing history of Leonardo da Vinci
  • Get to know more about Leonardo da Vinci in relation to the Sforza Castle
  • See the Atlantic Codex & hear about its historical relevance
  • Enjoy a tour by the side of a history expert
  • Can be 100% personalized to your wishes
  • All your questions answered by your local host

What you can expect

The History of Milan: Leonardo, the Sforza Castle, and the Codex Atlanticus in Milan - Leonardo_tour3.jpg

To truly understand Milan, you must dive into its rich history, and there’s no better way than through the lens of Leonardo da Vinci. This captivating tour will take you on a journey through time, exploring the fascinating links between Leonardo, the iconic Sforza Castle, and the world-renowned Codex Atlanticus. Along the way, your local expert will share fascinating stories, hidden details, and insights that you won't find in a history book.

Milan’s Sforza Castle is not just an impressive fortress—it’s deeply tied to Leonardo da Vinci’s time in the city. It was here that Leonardo worked as a court artist for the powerful Sforza family. You’ll hear how the Castle played a pivotal role in Milan's Renaissance and how Leonardo contributed to its architectural designs and frescoes, including his iconic Codex Atlanticus. As you explore the Castle, you'll learn how these connections shaped Milan’s cultural and political landscape.

In addition to the castle, you’ll also discover Milan’s historical gems, such as the Biblioteca Ambrosiana—home to the Codex Atlanticus—and other important landmarks tied to Leonardo’s legacy in Milan. Your host will bring these stories to life, guiding you through the intricate relationship between Leonardo and the city, and revealing how his art and inventions continue to influence Milan today.

Our expert local hosts are passionate storytellers, each with a deep knowledge of Milan's history, art, and Leonardo's legacy. Whether you're an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious about Milan's hidden treasures, your host will make this experience unique to you. They’re eager to share their personal anecdotes and special insights, and can easily tailor the tour to your interests—making the city truly your own!

Join your local host for a tour that’s more than just history—it's a journey through Milan’s soul, shaped by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

  1. Meeting point

    Meet at At the entrance of Chocolat Milano - Milan to start your journey

  2. Itinerary

    This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

  3. Leonardo, the Sforza Castle, and the Codex Atlanticus

    Your history tour in Milan will focus on Leonardo da Vinci. Learn the impacts, insights and hear stories related to this historic event from your knowledgeable host. Discover the city as you retrace history and go in-depth on the effects this part of history has on Milan
  4. Historical Highlights

    Check out main landmarks related to the theme of your history tour and connect their relevance through fantastic stories and facts from your expert local host
  5. Hidden Treasures

    During your tour, you’ll also uncover hidden gems that will show you a different perspective of history as you know it, something you can’t easily find in a history book!
  6. Storytelling Journey

    As you discover the historical side of Milan, you’ll be able to go back in time thanks to the amazing stories and storytelling skills of your local host. Feel free to ask any questions and feel as if you are relieving history in the present time
  7. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Feel confident booking

    Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

  • Change of plans?

    Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

  • Loved by travelers worldwide

    Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

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Alarik🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
27 June 2025
My son-in-law arranged for Omar to be our guide for what was my first trip to Italy and Milan, in particular. He was most informative and understanding as well. I learned and experienced so much while we toured Il Duomo. He helped me decide whether to climb to its top or not since I recently celebrated my 80th birthday. I am so happy I decided to go for it! It is a magnificent structure with a wonderful history.Over the Top with Omar
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Alarik🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
24 June 2025
First of all, the Duomo is fantastic, and well worth the visit. We booked two tours with Omar -- the Duomo and also the Highlights and Hidden Gems. Omar is from Milan and an experienced guide. He was wonderful, and really made the Duomo -- which is amazing -- come to life. He knows the city like the back of his hand and was able to show us some wonderful things and really give us a feeling for their history and how they were used. We had my wife and mother-in-law for the Duomo part of things, and he was careful to make sure that my mother-in-law was OK with all the climbing. Omar is warm and funny and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.Great tour with a true local
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Matt🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
21 June 2025
We had the best experience touring the Duomo with Omar. His knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the history and building was first class. We thoroughly enjoyed all the information he was able to share. Highly recommend- one of the best tours we’ve ever taken. Omar was amazing!
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Jennifer L🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
14 June 2025
Omar provided my daughter and I with an outstanding personalized tour of the Duomo in Milano. He brought his personal experiences, knowledge, and insights into a tour of an absolutely stunning structure. I highly recommended private tours that allow you to skip the line. It’s saves your precious vacation time and takes the stress out of the process of visiting the Duomo. In addition a private tour with Omar will provide you with education on the Duomo from a unique perspective. Thus tour included visiting the terraces if the Duomo allowing one to physically walk on the roof of the Duomo, see a view of the city, and view these beautiful and magical terraces up close, a not to be missed opportunity. Jennifer LK (United States)Simply the Best
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Tracy🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
8 June 2025
Omar went above and beyond to ensure a great tour! He was friendly, professional, and funny, which made for a fun and engaging experience! I would 100% use Omar again for a tour in the future! The Best
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Ruth 🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
18 May 2025
We had the best time with Omar visiting the Duomo in Milan. He was professional, kind funny and so full of knowledge. His English was excellent and he was a pleasure to be around. He made me want to know more and more about the Duomo and Milan the city he loves. One of my favorite parts of our trip!Amazing Omar!
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Francesca🇦🇺 Australia
(About local )
25 October 2024
Omar is an exceptional guide, he has an extensive knowledge of Milan’s history. Omar delivers information in a passionate and captivating manner its like you travel through time as you discover the secrets and rich history of Milan. Milan at first glance does not seem as rich in history as other Italian cities and I felt enlightened and fully immersed with Omar’s tour. A wonderful, engaging and fun tour as Omar is such a positive and energetic person with a vast knowledge of Milan.Best guide ever!
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Mitchell🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
4 October 2024
My wife, daughter and I had a great visit with Omar as our guide. He is super friendly, knowledgable and warm. Also, he was punctual and spent an extra 30 minutes so that we could see all the key points of interest. Thanks!No better way to visit Il Duomo
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Ted🇨🇦 Canada
(About local )
4 October 2024
Omar was great. Was very knowledgeable about Milan’s history and spoke clearly with excellent English so that everyone understood clearly.
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Sara🇸🇪 Sweden
(About local )
22 July 2024
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Aaron
(About local )
26 March 2024
Omar did a great job of showing us the places where events happened while explaining the back stories. We gained a greater understanding of the science, art and history of this incredible city. Omar was great!! Thank you!!!History understood
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Yvonne
(About local )
23 March 2024
We had an absolutely great time with Omar, a very friendly and super knowledgeable guy. He took us to places where you might not go and explained a lot about the history of the city. He is such a lovely person, relaxed and great sense of humour. We highly recommend booking him as your tour guide, you will not get disappointed!Simply the best!
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Angi
(About local )
19 March 2024
Omar was an OUTSTANDING tour guide. He showed us so many amazing places. It was Fantastic!OUTSTANDING
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Danaiet
(About local )
24 February 2024
We had the pleasure of having Omar as a tour guide. This was the best and simple way to learn about the city. He was able to meet us at a central location and our tour commenced. He was knowledgeable and easy going. He was also able to recommend things to do/where to eat for after our tour. Thank you Omar!Best and simple way to go
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Harry
(About local )
31 January 2024
We read Omar’s reviews and noticed that all he had were 5 star reviews. Wondered if that was truly the case. YES Omar is a five star host. He knows everything including information you would never dream about knowing. We will definitely book him next time to take into some of the museums.2 Hour Evening2 Hour Evening Walking Tour
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Heather
(About local )
14 January 2024
We absolutely loved having Omar as a host. He was amazing with the children’s and educational for the adults. We couldn’t have had a better morning accommodating guide. Thanks Omar! You made the difference:)Super with the childrenSuper with the children
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Vicky
(About local )
21 December 2023
Omar was fabulous - He showed us the hot spots and some hidden gems, with a delightful locals-only surprise at the end. He was friendly and knowledgeable and we highly recommend him for your private tour.Super friendly & knowledgeable
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Kathy
(About local )
10 December 2023
Omar was a lot of fun and a very enthusiastic tour guide. He easily flexed his normal tour to meet our needs and took us to some very unique places. We really enjoyed our tour with Omar.Fun tourFun tour
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Laura
(About local )
4 December 2023
Omar is an amazing guide. The breath of knowledge he was able to share was simply uncanny. Our vacation was blessed by Omar and our tour experience. We will recommend to everyone. Thank you Omar!.
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Arthur
(About local )
30 November 2023
Very Knowledgeable, personable. Great grasp of history. Very flexible. Really adjusted his schedule to meet our needs. Highly Recommend!Very Knowledgeable, personable

Withlocals experiences
are always

Private & personalizedNo strangers, just you. Fully customize your trip to your needs.
With a local expertFrom historical facts to the most up-to-date health regulations.
Without the crowdsExperiences designed to take you away from the crowds towards authentic local spots.

Other City highlight tours in Milan

€48.53per person