Castello Sforzesco, Milan

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Once one of the largest citadels in Europe, the origins of the castle are 14th century. But it was under the moderate Francisco Sforza, Duke of Milan for 19 years between 1447 and 1466, that the city and his castle began to take shape.

Under Spanish rule in the late 15th and 16th centuries, the castle was extensively rebuilt and expanded, housing more than 3000 men to protect the route in and out of Italy from the Alps. It became more of a fortress than a castle as a result.

Much of the huge and extensive battlements have long gone – present day Parco Sempione and the Piazza Castello were established on grounds once incorporated into the fortress.

Today, the castle is a mix of old and new – the central Filarete Tower was rebuilt between 1900 and 1905 as a monument to King Umberto I. Importantly, whilst access to the grounds and inner courtyards are free, the extensive rooms are the home of a number of civic museums.

Included in the complex is the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, a collection of art (including Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Mantegna), armoury and history of the city: Museum of Ancient Art and The Furniture Museum among others.

In Castle Sforzesca there is a small museum devoted to Ancient Egypt. Although the collection is neither vast nor particularly outstanding, it does contain several mummies- push your face up against the glass and marvel at how well they are preserved!

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During the ages, the castle has been under the domination of Spain, France and Austria. Later it was conquered by Napoleon, again by the Austrians and in the end it was restored by the citizens of Milan.

The last king of the Visconti family, Filippo Maria, died in 1447. He had no legitimate heirs, so the citizens from Milan could proclaim a change of the regyme - the Republic. The fortress was destroyed and its stones were used to restore the town walls.

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The old fortress called 'di Porta Giovia' was built in the period from 1360 to 1370 around Milan's medieval walls. It has been built by Galeazzo Visconti as a defence. The Visconti Castle had a square plan (180x180 meters). A tower was built in each corner.

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The Sforzesco Castle is a main attraction of Milan. It enjoys rich and long history during the past centuries. It was demolished, then rebuilt several times, embellished and restored to become a symbol of both happy and dramatic events that are to be found in the historical background of the city.

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You will enjoy visiting this castle structure, a rebuilt model of the Sforza Castle. The inside area is huge and offers many photo opportunities. There are museums in several different parts and a really nice museum shop.
You really get a feel for the power of the ruler and when you know some of Da Vinci history you begin to see better how it fits with the times. Knowing how Da Vinci was supported by this ruler and what Sforza required of him helps you understand the result of Da Vinci's work. I would suggest a visit to a museum called Museo d'Arte e Scienza which has some nice exhibits on Da Vinci. This museum is located very near the castle.
Below are some photos to show you the castle.
Opening hours:
open daily
7.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. (in winter) | 7.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. (in summer)
Free admission (except for castle museums)

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Castello Sforzesco dates back to the late 14th century and is named after Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, who turned the fortress into his residence. Today it houses several museums, including the Pinacoteca Museum of Art and the Museum of Musical Instruments.

You can walk around the grounds of the Castello free of charge, but there are fees to enter the museums. Check the website for more information.

I liked seeing the moat, now a deep, grass-covered ditch, and the huge portcullis at the entrance.

Open daily 7-6 (winter) and 7-7 (summer). The museums are closed on Monday.