Castello Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle), Milan (must see)
Castello Sforzesco, one of the largest fortresses in Europe, was originally built in the 14th century to house the Duchy of Milan. Despite its long history of battles, invasions, sacking and destruction, the castle has endured and been restored many times. One of its towers, the Filarete tower, once used to store ammunition, famously exploded in 1521 after being struck by lightning, causing many casualties and significant damage to the fortress.
During the Napoleonic era, the castle was severely damaged and used as quarters for troops, including stables in the frescoed rooms on the ground floor of the Corte Ducale. However, following Italy's Unification in the late 19th century, the castle was reconstructed by architect Luca Beltrami and returned to the city of Milan in 1905. Today, it is a prominent hub of art and culture, boasting seven museums accessible to the public.
The interior of is adorned with exquisitely detailed works of art, notably the intricate ceiling fresco in the magnificent Sala delle Asse, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, who was commissioned by his patrons, the Sforza family. The fresco depicts a pergola in a garden with 16 mulberry trees held together by a golden rope.
Why You Should Visit:
Each room herein is a treasure, not only for the exhibited items, but also for the ceiling frescoes which are wonders in their own right.
Entrance to the castle is free, so if you're on a budget, just walk through and admire the courtyards and architecture. As for the "all museums" fee, it is quite reasonable.
Tip:
Exploring the entire Castello Sforzesco, complete with its gardens, may take a few days.
Try to go on Tuesday around 2pm to get free entry (entry on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is free for all public museums).
There's no way to access the battlements or the "inside" (aside from the museums) except by a guided tour, so consider booking one in advance.
During the Napoleonic era, the castle was severely damaged and used as quarters for troops, including stables in the frescoed rooms on the ground floor of the Corte Ducale. However, following Italy's Unification in the late 19th century, the castle was reconstructed by architect Luca Beltrami and returned to the city of Milan in 1905. Today, it is a prominent hub of art and culture, boasting seven museums accessible to the public.
The interior of is adorned with exquisitely detailed works of art, notably the intricate ceiling fresco in the magnificent Sala delle Asse, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, who was commissioned by his patrons, the Sforza family. The fresco depicts a pergola in a garden with 16 mulberry trees held together by a golden rope.
Why You Should Visit:
Each room herein is a treasure, not only for the exhibited items, but also for the ceiling frescoes which are wonders in their own right.
Entrance to the castle is free, so if you're on a budget, just walk through and admire the courtyards and architecture. As for the "all museums" fee, it is quite reasonable.
Tip:
Exploring the entire Castello Sforzesco, complete with its gardens, may take a few days.
Try to go on Tuesday around 2pm to get free entry (entry on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is free for all public museums).
There's no way to access the battlements or the "inside" (aside from the museums) except by a guided tour, so consider booking one in advance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Milan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Castello Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle) on Map
Sight Name: Castello Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle)
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Sweet Shops of Milan
This guide will undoubtably make your trip to Milan a sweet one. Most locations are in the city centre, whilst others are set in older headquarters, that boast incredible landmarks and hidden beauties. Milan is habitually associated to fashion and business but has some exquisite examples of art...
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 16 Italian Goods Worth Buying in Milan
Needless to say much about Milan and the things the city is famous for. From fashion and luxury to football and Berlusconi, the list is long. Still, some of the distinctively Milanese items may pass unnoticed to the eye of a stranger, if not caringly pointed in the right direction by a knowledgeable...
Milan's Fashion Restaurants & Bars
Milan is a city well known for luxurious fashion and shopping. With this guide your designer experience doesn't have to end at the stores and boutiques. Almost every major Italian fashion house (as well as a few foreign ones) has entered the food, beverage, or hospitality businesses in Milan,...
Milan's Best Aperitivo Venues
Ap茅ritifs usually are alcoholic drinks that are normally served before a meal. But in Milan the Aperitivo can actually become a fun, cheap (but not unchic) dinner with friends or (in a romantic venue) with a date. The all-you-can-eat formula allows you to buy just one drink and serve yourself with...
10 Cafes To Visit in Milan
The industrial capital of Italy and one of the world's fashion and business centers, today's Milan is teeming with chaotic urban rush on a daily basis. Although it can't compete with Rome in terms of history, art and architecture, there are hidden gems in Milan well worth searching...
16 Best Pastry Shops in Milan Italy
Are you looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with genuine, locally-made Italian pastries and drink real 鈥渆spresso鈥�? This guide covers the best pastry shops/cafes in Milan, the capital of fashion and excellent northern Italian food. Places where one can drink coffee or tea and eat some of the...