Galfa skyscraper in Milan at the intersection of Via Galvani and Via Fara near Centrale station

Galfa Tower

Galfa Tower Milan: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Galfa Tower (Torre Galfa), rising 109 meters above the intersection of Via Galvani and Via Fara, is one of Milan’s most celebrated modernist landmarks. Designed by Melchiorre Bega and completed in 1959, the tower’s sleek International Style and pioneering glass-and-aluminium curtain wall made it a symbol of Milan’s post-war economic resurgence. After a period of decline, a major redevelopment has transformed Galfa Tower into a vibrant mixed-use complex, blending offices, residences, and hospitality spaces, while preserving its modernist heritage (Unipol: Redevelopment of Galfa Tower; Abitare; ReadySetItaly).

This guide provides detailed, up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to this architectural gem.

Milano Torre Galfa multi-level garage exterior with modern architecture

Interior view of Torre Galfa in Milan with modern office furniture and large windows

Interior view of Torre Galfa in Milan featuring modern architecture and spacious design

Interior view of Torre Galfa in Milan with modern architectural design

Torre Galfa skyscraper in Milan under renovation in 2017

Historical and Architectural Significance

Origins and Modernist Legacy

Commissioned at the height of Italy’s “economic miracle,” Galfa Tower was envisioned as a beacon of progress and innovation. Melchiorre Bega’s design echoed the International Style emerging in global cities, with a minimalist, rectilinear form and a façade that maximizes light and transparency. The building’s name, “Galfa,” cleverly merges its cross-street location.

Upon completion, Galfa Tower joined the ranks of Milan’s pioneering skyscrapers, such as the Pirelli Tower, and quickly became a fixture of the city’s financial district.

Innovations and Influence

Galfa Tower’s adoption of prefabricated structural elements and curtain wall technology was innovative for late-1950s Italy. Its flexible interior layouts and sustainable features set the stage for later high-rise developments in Milan, especially as the city’s skyline continued to evolve in the Porta Nuova and Centrale districts.

Decline and Redevelopment

After several decades as a hub for corporate offices, Galfa Tower faced vacancy and neglect in the early 2000s. Its fortunes changed when the Unipol Group, in partnership with the Municipality of Milan, spearheaded a comprehensive redevelopment. This ambitious project restored the façade, modernized building systems, and introduced a mixed-use concept that now includes luxury apartments, offices, and a hotel (Unipol: Redevelopment of Galfa Tower). The renovation prioritized sustainability, with upgrades to energy efficiency and accessibility.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

General Public Areas: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
(Note: Hours may vary for holidays or special events; verify on the official website before your visit.)
Rooftop Restaurant & Sky Bar: Typically open daily from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Reservations are recommended for the rooftop venues.

Tickets and Entry

Ground Floor and Public Spaces: Free entry.
Rooftop Restaurant/Sky Bar: Access requires a reservation or purchase of food/drinks.
Guided Tours: Occasional guided tours are available, focusing on architecture and the renovation process. Check the official Galfa Tower website or Milan tourism offices for schedules and booking.
Observation Deck: There is no dedicated public observation deck, but guests of the upper-level hospitality venues enjoy panoramic views.

Accessibility

Galfa Tower is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and restrooms designed for visitors with reduced mobility. Assistance is available upon request.

Getting There

By Train/Metro: A 5–7 minute walk from Milano Centrale Station; also accessible via Garibaldi FS metro/tram station.
By Bus: ATM Line 60 connects Milano Centrale to Via Galvani.
Parking: Limited nearby; public transport is recommended for convenience.

Travel Tips

Visit during early morning or late afternoon for optimal natural light and fewer crowds.
Reservations are advised for rooftop dining and accommodation, especially during peak periods like Milan Fashion Week.

Nearby Attractions

Galfa Tower’s central location offers easy access to several of Milan’s top sites:

Pirelli Tower: A modernist icon, just steps away.
Bosco Verticale: The award-winning “Vertical Forest” residential towers, a short walk from Galfa Tower (The 500 Hidden Secrets).
Palazzo Lombardia: Home to the Lombardy regional government, featuring an observation deck (Eventbrite).
Piazza Gae Aulenti: A vibrant square with public art, fountains, and nightlife (The Tour Guy).
UniCredit Tower: Italy’s tallest building, with a distinctive spire.
Monumental Cemetery: An open-air museum of sculpture and Milanese history.
Corso Como: Trendy boutiques and the famous 10 Corso Como concept store.
Milan Central Station: A grand transport hub, notable for its architecture.

For more on Milan’s urban and architectural highlights, see The 500 Hidden Secrets and Rome2Rio.

Visitor Experience

Architecture and Ambience

Galfa Tower’s minimalist design and curtain wall façade offer a striking contrast to Milan’s historic architecture. The adaptive reuse has created modern, flexible spaces while maintaining the building’s modernist identity.

Panoramic Views

The rooftop restaurant and sky bar provide sweeping vistas of Milan’s skyline, including the Pirelli Tower, Bosco Verticale, and beyond. Photography is best during golden hour.

Accommodation

Torre GalFa Milano Luxury Apartments offer stylish lodging with panoramic views and amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and concierge services (Wanderlog).

Dining

While the tower’s upper levels now house a rooftop restaurant and sky bar, the surrounding area features excellent dining, from traditional Milanese trattorias to cosmopolitan cafés.

Events and Tours

Special events and private guided tours can be arranged via the building’s management or accommodation providers.

Cultural Impact and Sustainability

Galfa Tower is a testament to Milan’s economic resurgence and architectural innovation. Its restoration sets a benchmark for sustainable skyscraper retrofits, with features such as micro-wind, photovoltaic, and geothermal systems (Domus). The tower’s cinematic history—featured in Michelangelo Antonioni’s “La Notte”—and its role in urban renewal reinforce its status as a cultural and architectural icon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Galfa Tower’s visiting hours?
A: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM for public areas; rooftop venues until 10:00 PM. Check official sources for updates.

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit?
A: Ground floor access is free. Rooftop dining requires reservations/purchase. Guided tours may have a fee.

Q: Is Galfa Tower accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Is there an observation deck?
A: No public deck, but rooftop venues offer panoramic views.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Short walk from Milano Centrale; accessible by metro/bus/tram.

Summary and Recommendations

Galfa Tower stands as a beacon of Milan’s post-war optimism, modernist design, and commitment to sustainability. Its thoughtful renovation, prime location near major attractions, and blend of history with contemporary amenities make it an essential stop for architecture enthusiasts and urban explorers. Plan your visit around the tower’s public hours, book in advance for rooftop experiences, and use Milan’s efficient public transport for easy access. For immersive travel insights and the latest updates, download the Audiala app.