Sforza Castle in Milan

The magnificent Sforza Castle, famously known as the Castello Sforzesco, lies in the heart of Milan, Italy. This impressive fortress, constructed entirely from brick, stands as a testament to the region's rich history. Its roots can be traced back to the latter part of the 14th century when the esteemed Visconti family meticulously built it. Embracing a square layout, the castle boasts a captivating courtyard positioned at its core. At the same time, its exterior is marvelously encased by a formidable wall adorned with imposing battlements and fortified corner towers.

History of the Sforza Castle

The early years

The Sforza Castle was built in the mid-15th century at the behest of the Visconti family, which was ruling Milan at the time. Originally a small fort, it was expanded by the Sforza family, which took control of Milan in 1450. In the following years, the castle was expanded and modernized several times. In 1499, during the Italian Wars, the castle was captured by the French and destroyed.

Renaissance remodeling

Francesco Sforza rebuilt the castle between 1500 and 1550 in the Renaissance style, and it became one of Milan's most beautiful and important buildings. Over the following years, the castle was expanded and rebuilt many times, and its appearance changed depending on the ruling authorities.

Napoleonic era and restoration

In 1796, Milan was occupied by Napoleon Bonaparte's troops. The Sforza Castle was converted into barracks, and its appearance changed considerably. After Napoleon's fall, the castle was turned into a museum and restored. In 1900, the castle was closed to the public due to its poor state of repair.

Castello Sforzesco in the 20th century

After undergoing a painstaking restoration that lasted numerous years, the castle was once again made accessible to the general public in 1905. Following the conclusion of World War II, the castle suffered from significant destruction, yet diligent efforts were made to revive and reopen it to the public. At present, the Sforza Castle is a prominent symbol of historical significance within Milan, ranking among the city's foremost landmarks and serving as a cherished destination for countless tourists.

Architecture of the castle

External structure

The Sforza Castle in Milan is an impressive castle built of brick. It was built in the mid-15th century on a square plan with a courtyard. A wall with blanks and corner towers surrounds the castle. It also has a dry moat. The castle consists of several buildings connected, each with its function.

Interiors and halls

Sforza Castle is not only a historic building but also a museum. A diverse museum complex has been created in the castle's chambers, which includes several different establishments. In the museum, you can see collections and major works of art from different eras. It is worth noting the rich frescoes adorning the halls of the castle, which are stunning in their colors and details.

Gardens and courtyards

Milan's Sforza Castle also has beautiful gardens and courtyards. The gardens have many sculptures and fountains that add to the beauty of the place. Of note is the courtyard of the Filarete Gate, which is one of the most important courtyards of the castle.

Museums and galleries at Sforza Castle

Castello Sforzesco is a historic fortress and an important center of culture and art. There are several museums and art galleries on the castle grounds, displaying rich collections of artwork and objects related to the history of Milan and Lombardy. Here are some of them:

Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico)

It is divided into a prehistoric section and an Egyptian section. The Egyptian section features mummies, funerary masks, painted sarcophagi, and small figures of deities such as the goddess Min-Ptah, Osiris, Isis Horo, depicted as a falcon, and Bastet disguised as a cat, among others.

Pinacoteca Castello Sforzesco

A collection of more than 1,500 works created between the 13th and 18th centuries. Among them are paintings by Filippo Lippi, Titian, Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canaletto) or Correggio.

Museum of Musical Instruments (Museo degli Strumenti Musicali)

It presents various types of musical instruments from parts of the world.

Museum of Antique Art (Museo d'Arte Antica)

It houses, among other things, Michelangelo's last work, the Pieta Rondanini, and numerous frescoes by Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci.

Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)

It presents an exhibition of sarcophagi and mummies.

Tickets to the castle and museums

Tickets can be purchased at the venue and on the castle‘s official website, as well as on sites such as Tiqets or GetYourGuide, which offer various ticket options, including tours and city cards. It is worth noting that even for those entitled to a free ticket, it is necessary to book a ticket online. Booking is recommended, especially during peak season.

Consider combining tickets or a city card if you plan to visit other Milanese attractions.

Opening hours of the castle and museums

Milan's Sforza Castle is open daily.

Entrance to the castle area is possible from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm.

The castle's museums are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4:30 p.m. and the last admission at 5:00 p.m.

How to get to the castle

To reach Sforza Castle, it is best to take the M1 red subway line (Cairoli station) or the green line (Lanza or Cadorna). The castle is close to these stations. Buses numbered 50, 57, 58, 61, and 94 or tram lines 1, 2, 4, 12, 14, 19, and 27 can also be reached near the castle.

Curiosities

Here are some interesting facts about the Sforza Castle in Milan:

• Destroyed and saved by the Milanese: For centuries, the Sforza Castle symbolized foreign oppression for the Milanese. Repeatedly, residents attacked, looted, and even tried to demolish it. However, at the end of the 19th century, the castle was restored thanks to a public collection in which the entire city participated under the direction of architect Luca Beltrami.
• Secret Underground Tunnel: According to legend, a secret corridor led from the underground of the Sforza Castle to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This tunnel allowed Louis Sforza to reach his wife's tomb secretly.
• Mysterious headless fresco: In front of the treasury hall is a damaged fresco on which various speculations have been made. The artwork depicts a man of great strength but without a head.
• Nevera: When the Duchy of Milan passed into the hands of Spain's Charles V, the castle housed a “nevera” – an ice house for storing ice, as well as a pharmacy, a hospital, a bakery, two ovens and many stores, an inn, extensive warehouses, and as many as two churches.
• Capperi che castello!: is an expression of admiration for an unusual natural phenomenon in the Sforza Castle. This castle is home to a dense colony of caparis, known scientifically as Capparis Spinosa. These small Mediterranean shrubs are believed to have been brought in by birds, which brought their spores. Finding a fertile environment on the castle's walls, the capers spread brilliantly here.

Sforza Castle, also known as Castello Sforzesco, is one of the most important sights in Milan, Italy.
When planning a visit to the Sforza Castle, remember that a full tour of the site, including the museums, can take 2 to 3 hours or even half a day. Therefore, it is a good idea to plan enough time for this attraction. 

Suppose you don't intend to visit the entire castle or enter the museums but only view it from the outside and walk through the courtyards. In that case, visiting Park Sempione behind the castle during the early morning hours is worthwhile. There are no tourists then, and taking nice photos is easy!