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Generali Tower Milan: A Comprehensive Visitor’s Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Generali Tower, widely known as “Lo Storto” (“The Twisted One”), rises as a beacon of contemporary architecture and urban innovation in Milan’s CityLife district. Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid and completed in 2017, this skyscraper is a symbol of Milan’s transformation into a modern metropolis, seamlessly integrating sustainability, public spaces, and cutting-edge design with the city’s rich historical context. Though the tower primarily serves as the headquarters for the Generali Group and does not offer regular public interior access, its presence anchors an area full of attractions, public parks, shopping, dining, and cultural events. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the Generali Tower and its surroundings, including practical information on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, nearby historical sites, travel tips, and event highlights, so you can fully experience this remarkable part of Milan.

For the most up-to-date details, consult the CityLife Milan website and Generali’s cultural initiatives.

Introduction
Historical Context and Urban Development
Architectural Significance and Design
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Visitor Experience and Surroundings
Travel Tips and Getting There
Best Times for Photography and Events
Nearby Attractions and Milan Historical Sites
FAQs
Essential Visitor Information
Cultural and Social Insights
Plan Your Visit and Additional Resources
Summary and Encouragement to Explore
References

Historical Context and Urban Development

The Generali Tower is a product of the CityLife redevelopment project, which began in the early 2000s to transform the former Fiera Milano fairgrounds into a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly hub. The project aimed to revitalize the northwest of Milan, introducing residential, commercial, and public spaces unified by contemporary architecture and extensive green areas (Italia.it; MilanoSegreta). CityLife’s masterplan features three signature skyscrapers, each designed by a globally renowned architect:

Isozaki Tower (Il Dritto)
Libeskind Tower (Il Curvo)
Hadid Tower (Lo Storto/Generali Tower)

Completed in 2017, Generali Tower stands as a testament to Milan’s commitment to forward-thinking urbanism and sustainability (Coliving Joivy).

Architectural Significance and Design

Zaha Hadid’s design for Generali Tower exemplifies her signature fluid, dynamic forms. The building spirals upward with a pronounced twist—rotating approximately 44 degrees from base to top—creating a striking visual effect and symbolizing Milan’s evolving identity (Live the World; Inexhibit).

Key architectural features:

Height: ~190 meters (623 ft), 44 floors
Twisting structure achieved through innovative engineering, maximizing sunlight and structural stability (Arqa)
Double-glazed façade with sun-deflecting louvers, earning LEED Platinum certification for sustainability (Glass for Europe)
Oriented towards Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” linking contemporary design with Milan’s Renaissance legacy

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours: Generali Tower itself does not have regular public visiting hours or an observation deck. The surrounding CityLife public areas—including Piazza Tre Torri and CityLife Park—are open daily, typically from early morning until late evening (about 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM).

Tickets and Tours: No ticket is required to explore the exterior, plaza, park, or shopping area. Occasionally, special tours of the tower’s interior are organized during events like Milan Design Week or Open House Milano. These require advance online registration and are announced via official platforms (CityLife events calendar).

Accessibility: The CityLife district is fully accessible, with wide walkways, ramps, elevators, and accessible metro stations. Restrooms and seating areas are available throughout the park and shopping district.

Visitor Experience and Surroundings

The best way to appreciate Generali Tower is from Piazza Tre Torri, where its curvature can be observed from multiple perspectives. CityLife Park, spanning over 165,000 square meters, offers walking paths, lawns, and installations from the ArtLine Milano open-air art trail (Italia.it; MilanoSegreta). The adjacent CityLife Shopping District features a variety of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and a cinema. Public events, outdoor concerts, and markets frequently animate the plaza, especially on weekends.

Travel Tips and Getting There

By Metro:

Take the M5 (Lilla/Purple) line to “Tre Torri” station for direct access.

From Milan Central Station:

Take Line 3 (Yellow) to Duomo, transfer to Line 1 (Red) toward Sesto 1 Maggio FS, then switch to Line 5 (Lilla) at Lotto or Garibaldi for Tre Torri.

By Tram or Bus:

Tram Line 12 or Bus Line 61 serve the area; check local transit maps.

By Car:

Underground parking is available but limited; public transport is recommended.

By Foot/Bike:

The district is pedestrian and bike-friendly, with dedicated paths and bike-sharing stations.

Best Times for Photography and Events

Sunset: The twisting glass façade catches golden light, making it ideal for photos.
Weekdays: Quieter, great for relaxed visits.
Weekends and Events: Livelier atmosphere with local events and markets.

Recommended vantage points include the base of the tower, CityLife Park, and along the ArtLine trail. For event details, consult the CityLife events calendar.

Nearby Attractions and Milan Historical Sites

Allianz Tower (“Il Dritto”) and PwC Tower (“Il Curvo”): Completing the CityLife skyscraper trio (Technical Parameters)
CityLife Shopping District: Fashion, dining, and entertainment
CityLife Park: Art installations and green spaces
Palazzo delle Scintille: Art Nouveau event venue
MiCo Convention Center
Duomo di Milano: Iconic Gothic cathedral, a short metro ride away
Santa Maria delle Grazie: Renaissance church with Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (Italia.it)

FAQs

Can I visit inside Generali Tower? Public interior access is generally not available; limited tours are offered during special events with advance registration.

Are tickets required? No tickets are needed for exterior viewing. Special event tours may require registration.

What are the visiting hours? The exterior and public spaces are accessible daily from early morning to late evening.

Is the area wheelchair accessible? Yes, the entire CityLife district is designed for accessibility.

Are there nearby amenities? Yes, including cafes, shops, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi in the shopping district.

Essential Visitor Information

Address: Piazza Tre Torri, 1, 20145 Milano MI, Italy
Public Access: Free to plaza, park, and shopping district; no regular public tours inside the tower
Safety: The area is well-patrolled and safe, but standard urban precautions apply (Nomadic Matt)
Language: English is widely spoken, though basic Italian is appreciated

Generali Tower, together with the CityLife district, represents Milan’s embrace of sustainable urban living and contemporary design. The district is a vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists, hosting public art, cultural events, and a dynamic social scene (Coliving Joivy).

Plan Your Visit and Additional Resources

Download the Audiala app for interactive guides, event calendars, and personalized travel recommendations in Milan. For real-time updates, follow CityLife and Generali on social media and check the official CityLife website.

Summary and Encouragement to Explore

Generali Tower is a defining feature of Milan’s modern skyline and a focal point for the city’s ongoing transformation. While interior access is limited, the surrounding CityLife district offers a rich blend of architectural marvels, green spaces, shopping, dining, and cultural events—making it an essential destination for visitors. Whether you’re fascinated by cutting-edge architecture, Milan’s urban evolution, or simply seeking vibrant public spaces, the area around Generali Tower provides a memorable experience. For the latest visitor information, event schedules, and guided tour opportunities, refer to the CityLife Milan official website and Generali’s cultural initiatives.