The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is one of the most historic venues in motorsport, home to the Italian Grand Prix and widely known as the “Temple of Speed” (Tempio della Velocità). Visiting outside a Formula 1 weekend offers a very different perspective on the circuit. Without the crowds and intensity of race day, the focus shifts to the place itself – its history and more than a century of motor racing. This is what makes Monza particularly interesting to explore. It is not simply a modern Formula 1 venue, but a circuit where different eras of motorsport are still part of the visitor experience.
The exact route depends on the experience you book and activity at the circuit, so visitors should not assume that every tour includes exactly the same areas.
The standard Tour Experience takes visitors behind the scenes of the circuit, with stops including the Press Room, Briefing Room, podium and Race Direction. Historical photographs along the route help place these modern facilities within Monza’s much longer story.
Other experiences provide the opportunity to explore the circuit itself, including the historic Sopraelevata, one of the most distinctive surviving features of the old Monza layout.
The Monza Circuit Experience offers several ways of exploring the Temple of Speed, and the right choice depends on what you actually want from the visit.
Tour Experience
This is the standard behind-the-scenes guided visit. It concentrates on the working areas and history of the autodrome and is a good starting point if your main interest is seeing what normally happens away from the spectator areas.
Track Tour
This option is about the circuit itself. Visitors travel around the track by minivan or tourist bus. Availability depends on activity taking place on the circuit.
Experience + Track
This combines the two experiences. It makes sense for first-time visitors who want both the behind-the-scenes tour and the opportunity to travel around the racing circuit.
Tour Race
This is intended for visits during race events rather than an ordinary quiet day at Monza. It offers a behind-the-scenes perspective while the circuit is operating as an event venue. When the race itself requires a paid ticket, that event ticket must be purchased separately.
Premium Tour
The Premium option follows the basic Tour Experience route but changes the way the tour is delivered. One version includes a motorsport personality as a special guide and requires a minimum of six participants. Alternatively, a group can arrange an exclusive tour without other visitors joining; the official site specifies a minimum of three participants for this option.
Because availability and circuit activity can change, check the current schedule, exact itinerary and prices directly with Monza before booking. Official Monza Circuit Experience and booking information.
Monza’s significance goes far beyond the modern Formula 1 calendar. The circuit opened in 1922, making its history almost inseparable from the development of Italian motorsport.
Names such as Alberto Ascari remain closely associated with Monza, while Ferrari and the tifosi have helped create much of the atmosphere for which the Italian Grand Prix is famous. Generations of Formula 1 champions have raced here, adding new chapters to a history that now stretches back more than a century.
That combination of history, Formula 1 and Italian racing culture helps explain why Monza became known as the Temple of Speed. You can discover more legendary circuits in our Tracks & Destinations collection.
The circuit is approximately 20 kilometres north of central Milan, making it possible to visit as a day trip. If Monza is part of a longer Italian journey, our Italy overview provides a broader introduction to the country.
By train: Trains connect Milan with Monza, but Monza railway station is not immediately beside the circuit. From there, you will need to continue towards Monza Park and the autodrome. Transport varies, particularly during major events.
By car: Driving can be convenient outside major race weekends. The circuit currently directs visitors to Gate A – Vedano and Gate B – Santa Maria delle Selve for access to the Monza Circuit Experience.
A non-race day can be ideal for a circuit tour, with the focus on exploring the venue rather than watching the racing. Always check the official circuit calendar before choosing your date. Tours and access can be affected by races and other events.
There is unusually clear information from Monza about accessibility for its standard visitor experience.
According to the circuit, the Monza Circuit Experience is barrier-free, the facilities involved in the tour have lifts, and designated parking is available in front of the Monza Circuit Shop. The circuit also currently provides free tour participation for visitors with disabilities and a reduced rate for accompanying visitors.
Accessibility arrangements during major events are different. The Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, for example, has its own procedures, designated wheelchair areas and specific conditions for accessible parking.
If mobility requirements are important to your visit, it is still worth confirming the arrangements for your particular tour or event before travelling.
For more practical information on planning trips around mobility requirements, explore our wheelchair-accessible travel guides.
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