Royal Villa of Monza
Villa Reale di Monza
An 18th-century Neoclassical royal palace on the northern outskirts of Milan, backed by Monza Park, one of the largest walled parks in Europe.
The Royal Villa of Monza lies about 15 km from Milan. Built in 1777–1780 by architect Giuseppe Piermarini for Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, it later became the summer palace of the House of Savoy and is a landmark of Lombard Neoclassical architecture. The restored royal apartments display the bedrooms, ballroom and furnishings from the era of King Umberto I and Queen Margherita, and the upper floor often hosts art exhibitions. In front of the palace, the Italian rose garden and English royal garden can be strolled for free. Behind the villa, Monza Park covers about 7 square kilometers and is one of the largest walled parks in Europe, with tree-lined avenues, mills and farmsteads. Its northern edge is the Monza circuit. Tickets cost about €10–20 depending on the exhibition, and the villa is closed on Mondays. Getting there: take a train from Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi to Monza, about 15 minutes, then transfer to a bus or walk about 20 minutes.
Opening hours
Palace Tue–Sun approx. 10:00–19:00, closed Mondays; gardens and park open during the day
Nearby sights
- Monza Cathedral
- Autodromo Nazionale Monza
- Pirelli HangarBicocca
- Porta Nuova & Bosco Verticale
- Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
- Natural History Museum of Milan
- Monumental Cemetery of Milan
- Villa Necchi Campiglio