A summer at Milan’s Sforza Castle filled with music, theatre and comedy

The sun sets late, there is an evening breeze and a slower pace to the day, the timeless enchantment of a magical place: summer has returned to Milan’s Sforza Castle with a new season of “Milano è viva – Estate al Castello,” a new version of the Estate Sforzesca. From June 21st to September 10th, the program, comprised of 75 astounding shows, brings the best of live music, theatre, and dance to the stage of the magnificent Cortile delle Armi, featuring national and international guests.

For those visiting Milan on vacation or for work, summer evenings at Sforza Castle are an event to look forward to. It is the perfect opportunity to bask in art and music, have fun and share a unique experience. The castle is usually seen as a historic and iconic place in the city, but during the summer months it transforms and is filled with colourful lights, people and the sounds of live performances. Here is a small selection of events recommended by Hotel VIU Milan.

Events at Sforza Castle in Milan: music, theatre and dance light up summer evenings

This summer, there will be live music for all tastes at Sforza Castle featuring rock, pop, blues, electronic, jazz concerts, and more. The night heats up on July 26th, with the unmistakable guitar notes of Alex Britti, who brings a show that merges the two souls of his thirty-year career: his singer-songwriter side and his more pop-oriented side.

On August 31st, Carmen Consoli and Elvis Costello take the stage. The two artists have chosen Milan as their mini-tour’s third and final stop, which will also stop in Rome and Palermo. The unprecedented duo certainly has all the elements to enchant the audience.

The list of theatre events at Sforza Castle is just as rich, prioritising comedy, a perfect element that seamlessly blends with the summer atmosphere.

On July 2nd, Max Angioni, known from shows like Zelig, Italia’s Got Talent, Le Iene and Lol2, presents “Miracolato,” his new comedy show in which he miraculously revisits historical events. On July 19th, Luca Barbarossa and Stefano Massini present “La verità, vi prego, sull’amore,” a theatre piece inspired by the poetry collection of the British poet Wystan Hugh Auden, which reflects on the meaning of love beyond easy and preconceived definitions. On September 9th, Barbascura X brings “Amore bestiale” (Bestial love), a stand-up comedy and scientific dissemination act that irreverently describes the most extravagant mating rituals in the animal kingdom.

Dance and classical music are also featured, with two unmissable events curated by Teatro alla Scala: the First Dancers, the Soloists and the Ballet Company of the Theater perform on July 10th, and the Philharmonic Orchestra’s tribute to Mozart, Beethoven and Verdi is presented on July 11th.

The complete programme of “Estate al Castello” is available on the Sforza Castle website.

Hotel VIU Milan: panoramic terrace and pool for an unforgettable summer in Milan

Summer at the Castle is just one of the countless events Milan offers during the warmer months. Many more activities are scattered throughout the city’s neighbourhoods, giving you plenty of options for what to do in Milan this summer, and Hotel VIU Milan is the ideal place from which to reach them.

Located in the Paolo Sarpi area — one of the liveliest areas of the city, known for its fusion of different styles and cultures, with cocktail bars, ethnic restaurants, fashion boutiques and artistic and cultural destinations — the hotel stands out for its modern yet sustainable architecture. It is considered a place with a welcoming and familiar atmosphere by all guests who visit. It is also conveniently located near the main attractions of the city, both historical and contemporary: Corso Sempione (which leads to the beautiful Sempione Park and the striking Sforza Castle), the majestic Monumental Cemetery, Piazza Gae Aulenti, Corso Como and the Vertical Forest, which are all iconic places of the new Milan.

This strategic location combines comfort, a relaxed and family-like atmosphere, and VIU’s own style of fun. These are the secret ingredients that make our hotel a special place where you immediately feel at home. Meticulously designed and detailed interior spaces, luxurious service suited to every need and ample space for entertainment all contribute to the perfect formula for an exclusive summer stay.

Our rooftop, The VIU Terrace, located on the eighth floor, offers breathtaking views of Milan to be enjoyed during all seasons, but even more so in summer. It is the perfect spot for a snack or a meal in the open air, a refreshing dip in the wonderful VIU Pool, a poolside aperitivo, a private party or a DJ set. It is a great alternative if you prefer an evening enriched by the delicious dishes and cocktails of our gourmet restaurant and Bulk Mixology Food Bar, led by the award-winning chef Giancarlo Morelli, while admiring the stunningly illuminated pool against the backdrop of the bustling city.