Castello Sforzesco: Milan’s Timeless Castle of Power and Art

A Castle That Refused to Disappear

The Castello Sforzesco, located just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo, has watched over Milan for more than 600 years. It began life as a fortress and evolved into a grand palace and museum complex.

Key moments in its history:

• 1358: Built by Galeazzo II Visconti as a defensive stronghold
  
• 1447: Destroyed during political upheaval
  
• 1450: Rebuilt by Francesco Sforza, who transformed it into a ducal residence
  
• 1800s: Used as military barracks during Napoleon’s campaign
  
• 1884: Saved from demolition and restored by Luca Beltrami
  

“Like a phoenix, the fortress has been completely destroyed and has risen again”

Renaissance Beauty Behind Medieval Walls

Though it looks like a fortress from the outside, the castle hides elegant Renaissance design within its walls.

Notable architectural features:

• Filarete Tower: Grand central entrance tower rebuilt in the 20th century
  
• Rocchetta and Corte Ducale: Graceful courtyards lined with arches and decorated vaults
  
• Sala delle Asse: A masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, where the ceiling becomes a canopy of painted trees and vines
  

“Each side of the fortress stretches around 200 meters, flanked by strong corner towers”

Inside: A World of Museums

The castle now hosts six major museums, offering visitors centuries of art, history, and design.

Top attractions:

Museum of Ancient Art

• Includes Michelangelo’s final work, the Rondanini Pietà
  
• Exhibits medieval sculptures, early Christian frescoes, and Visconti family tombs
  
• Features reliefs of the Lombard League’s 12th-century victory
  

Pinacoteca (Art Gallery)

• Over 1,500 paintings from the 12th–18th centuries
  
• Highlights include:
  
  • Mantegna’s Trivulzio Madonna
    
  • Bramantino’s Noli Me Tangere
    
  • Works by Canaletto, Tintoretto, and Bellini
    

Museum of Furniture

• Historic domestic pieces from the 15th century onward
  

Museum of Decorative Arts

• Ceramics, tapestries, and Trivulzio’s famous textiles by Bramantino
  

Archaeological Museum

• Includes Ancient Egyptian artifacts and prehistoric relics from Lombardy
  

Museum of Musical Instruments

• Rare instruments from all over the world and many eras
  

If You’re Short on Time

Don’t worry if you can’t see it all. Here’s how to make the most of a quick visit:

• Walk the inner courtyards for a real feel of its grandeur
  
• Museum of Ancient Art is the best one-stop choice for a taste of the castle’s treasures
  
• Parco Sempione, right behind the castle, is perfect for a scenic picnic or stroll
  

“The castle is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with museums open Tuesday to Sunday”

Why It Matters Today

The Castello Sforzesco isn’t just a relic—it’s a symbol of Milan’s resilience and creativity

• It reflects the rise and fall of noble families
  
• It holds the brushstrokes of Leonardo da Vinci himself
  
• It now brings history alive through music, art, and architecture
  

“A must-visit destination where centuries of Milanese culture converge”