The Visconti family and the enigma of the tarot

If you’re looking to add a dash of mystery and history to your Milan visit, this 1.5-hour guided tour focusing on the Visconti family and the origins of the tarot is a compelling choice. We haven’t personally taken it, but from what’s shared, it promises a lively mix of storytelling, historical facts, and interactive fun — perfect for curious minds of all ages.

What makes this tour stand out is its ability to combine art, history, and a bit of mysticism without feeling heavy or overly academic. The guides, all licensed professionals, keep the pace engaging, weaving tales from the court of Filippo Maria Visconti — the enigmatic ruler responsible for expanding the Sforza Castle, and allegedly the birth of the tarot cards. The second notable highlight? It’s suitable for families, making learning about Milan’s history accessible and enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

The only potential challenge? The tour’s focus on historical and symbolic connections might not appeal to those seeking a straightforward sightseeing experience. It’s more of a storytelling journey that invites you to see Milan through a different lens—perceiving its landmarks as pieces in a greater, intriguing puzzle. If you enjoy history with a side of puzzles and hidden meanings, this activity is likely to be right up your alley.

Ultimately, this tour fits best for travelers who love uncovering lesser-known stories, enjoy art and symbolism, or are simply curious about Milan’s medieval past and the mystical side of history. It offers a thoughtful way to spend an afternoon exploring the city beyond its famous monuments.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: All tours are conducted by licensed professionals with over 10 years of experience, ensuring a knowledgeable and engaging experience.
• Family-Friendly: Designed so that everyone, from children to history buffs, can learn and have fun.
• Thematic Journey: Combines Milan’s landmarks with the story of the Visconti family and the origins of tarot cards, creating a captivating narrative.
• Interactive and Visual: The tour links places like Sforzesco Castle and Via Garibaldi with the Major Arcana, making history feel alive.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for full refund—ideal for spontaneous plans.
• Wheelchair Access: The route is accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour’s Itinerary in Detail

Starting at the main entrance of Sforzesco Castle in Piazza Castello, this tour kicks off by setting the scene of Milan’s medieval power. This grand fortress, historically a symbol of rulers like Filippo Maria Visconti, acts as the perfect starting point for a story tied to power, art, and myth.

From here, your guide leads you along Via Garibaldi, an elegant street lined with Renaissance architecture, that was historically a hub for courtly life. We loved the way the guide weaves tales of court intrigue and artistic patronage, all while pointing out the key sites along the route.

One of the highlights is the walk up to the Porta Garibaldi gate, where the tour ties in the symbolic value of the city’s fortifications with the broader themes of protection, fate, and transformation — all central to tarot symbolism.

Throughout the walk, your guide associates each site with some of the Major Arcana cards, inspired by Italo Calvino’s quote about the interconnectedness of cards and destiny. This makes it more than just a sightseeing stroll — it becomes a symbolic journey. For example, the Fossati Theater and San Semplificano Church aren’t just historical buildings; they become part of a larger story about fate and chance.

The tour also visits Largo La Foppa and Santa Maria Incoronata Church, where the guide discusses how art and architecture reflect the confluence of politics, spirituality, and mysticism in Milan’s past. This gives the experience an extra layer of depth, connecting the city’s physical spaces with symbolic meanings.

What to Expect During the Tour

Expect a lively, 90-minute walk that balances storytelling with historical facts. The guides excel at making complex topics accessible — no prior knowledge required. You’ll learn about:

• The origins of the tarot cards, initially called Trionfi, and their artistic and cultural significance.
• The influence of Filippo Maria Visconti, an ambiguous figure whose expansion of Milan’s defenses coincides with the birth of the tarot.
• How court life, art, and symbolism intersected in the Renaissance period.
• The idea that the meaning of each card depends on its position, echoing the way Milan’s landmarks relate to each other in a web of history and symbolism.
• The playful aspect of linking images and places, turning the tour into a game of connections rather than just a lecture.

The route is walkable and accessible, with a focus on outdoor sites and public spaces.

Value and Practicalities

At around 1.5 hours, this tour offers a manageable, engaging way to deepen your understanding of Milan’s past without overwhelming your schedule. The cost, considering the expertise of licensed guides and the cultural richness, offers good value — especially if you enjoy themed walks that stimulate the imagination.

Booking is flexible: you can reserve your spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. This flexibility is especially helpful if you’re uncertain about your plans or want to see if other activities fill your Milan itinerary.

The tour runs in Italian, making it ideal for Italian speakers or those comfortable with the language, though it’s possible that some descriptions or guides might offer additional support for non-Italian speakers upon request.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers curious about the mystical side of Milan, those interested in history, art, and symbolism, or families excited to turn a city walk into a fun, interactive game. If you enjoy stories that connect landmarks with larger themes of fate and destiny, you’ll appreciate the creative way the guide links Milan’s sites with tarot symbolism.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer a small-group, personalized experience led by licensed guides, ensuring insights are accurate and storytelling lively. While it’s not a typical sightseeing tour, it offers a different perspective on Milan — one that invites you to see the city’s familiar sights in a new, symbolic light.

More Great Tours Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is designed to be suitable for the whole family, combining educational content with fun connections between landmarks and tarot cards.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable activity that won’t tire out younger or older travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins in front of the main entrance of Sforza Castle in Piazza Castello and ends back at the same location, making logistics simple.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the route is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors with mobility needs to participate comfortably.

What language is the tour conducted in?
It is conducted in Italian, so some familiarity with the language will enhance understanding, though the storytelling style is engaging enough for many non-Italian speakers.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for art lovers?
Absolutely. It weaves the art and architecture of Milan into its narrative, providing context about how these elements reflect symbolic meanings.

How does this tour compare to other Milan experiences?
Unlike typical monument visits or museum tours, this is a thematic walk that combines history, art, and symbolism, offering a more creative and interactive approach.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything?
No specific preparation is necessary. Just wear comfortable shoes and bring curiosity.

What is the cost relative to the experience?
Given the expertise of licensed guides and the thematic depth, the tour offers excellent value, especially considering it’s a small-group experience that enriches your understanding of Milan’s hidden stories.

To sum it up, the “Visconti family and the enigma of the tarot” tour offers a unique, meaningful way to explore Milan’s historic core. It’s perfect for lovers of history, art, and mysticism, or families seeking an engaging activity. You’ll walk away not only with new stories about Milan but with a fresh perspective on its ancient symbols and their place in the city’s fabric. If you’re after a tour that combines storytelling, symbolism, and local color, this one deserves a spot on your Milan itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: