Italy: Sforzesco Castle in Milan

Last updated: 09/08/2020

One of the attractions that you cannot miss in your Milan itinerary is a visit to the beautiful Sforzesco Castle! In addition to a beautiful castle, the place houses amazing museums and, in the back area, there is a beautiful garden! Let's see what to find there?

SFORZESCO CASTLE IN MILAN

Sforzesco Castle was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the ruins of a 14th century fortification, which was formerly the Visconti Castle. It was later renovated and expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries and became one of the largest palaces in Europe. During the Second World War, a bombing destroyed some areas of the castle, which were later rebuilt. Today, Sforzesco Castle houses several of the city's museums and art collections.

MAP OF SFORZESCO CASTLE

It is worth taking a look at the map of the Castle to locate each of its attractions. (Click on the maps to open the PDF).

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WHAT TO KNOW / VISIT

1. THE CASTLE

The biggest attraction of Sforzesco Castle are the structures that make up the castle itself and all of its architecture that was used for protection. Over the centuries, various architects and designers were involved, including Leonardo da Vinci, who was summoned to Milan by Ludovico il Moro in 1482.

CASTLE DEFENSES

ravelins

Construction of ravelins (protective fortifications built in front of the gates) began during the remodeling of the castle by Francesco Sforza.

ditches

The castle was equipped with two moats: one dividing the Patio de Armas and the Rocchetta, and the original moat that defended the city walls when the castle was under construction. The moat outside the fortress was filled in in the 17th century and re-excavated between the 19th and 20th centuries.

ECONOMY TIP: MILAN CARD

MilanoCard, the tourist card that offers free public transport, discounts from 10% to 100% at select museums, access to private chauffeur services and much more. The card is available in 3 versions: 24h, 48h or 72h. see more information in this link.

Read more: Italy: What to do in Milan – 2-day itinerary

 

TOWERS

Used as observation points from above, aiming to protect the Castle.

INTERNAL YARDS AND SQUARES 

INTERNAL ROOMS

Some rooms have vaulted ceilings and, although they have been renovated, they still retain original painted decorations.

2. MUSEUMS IN THE SFORZESCO CASTLE

• Rondanini Pieta Museum: Rondanini Pietà is a marble sculpture that Michelangelo worked on from the 1550s until the last days of his life in 1564.

• Pinacoteca do Castelo Sforzesco
• Museum of Ancient Art
• Egyptian Museum

• Prehistoric Collections of the Archaeological Museum of Milan
• Museum of Antique Furniture and Wood Sculptures

• Achille Bertarelli Collection
• Museum of Decorative Art
• Museum of Musical Instruments

In addition to the Museums, the Sforzesco Castle still houses libraries and photographic archives.

3. PARCO SEMPIONE

In the part that is behind the Castle is Parco Sempione, which is a large park, founded in 1888, with a total area of 386,000 m². The park is adjacent to the gardens of the Sforzesco Castle and the Arch of Peace, two of Milan's main historic landmarks. The park design itself, due to the architect Emilio Alemagna, was conceived with the intention of creating a panoramic view encompassing both monuments. A third prominent monument in Parco Sempione is the Palazzo dell'Arte (“Palace of Art”), built in 1933 and designed by Giovanni Muzio, which currently houses the Triennale di Milano art exhibition. In the park are Arena Civica, the public aquarium, and the White Tower.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Sforzesco Castle

• Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milan, Italy
• Schedules:
  • Castle: daily from 7 am to 7 pm
  • Castle Museums: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5:30 pm / closed on Mondays
• Entrance:
  • Castle: free
  • Castle Museums: 5 euros
    • free:
      • every Tuesday after 2pm
      • Wednesday to Sunday 1 hour before closing

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Read more about Italy:

• Italy: What to do in Milan – 2-day itinerary
• Italy: Tips for restaurants in Milan
• Milan accommodation tip near Castello Sforzesco
• Italy: “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci in Milan
• Italy: Milan Duomo and its amazing rooftops