Castello Sforzesco (Milan Castle)

Visit the Milan castle museums and Castello Sforzesco tickets

The impressive Castello Sforzesco di Milano is the castle in the heart of Milan Italy and today houses a number of museums. Tips and tickets Milan Castle.

Visit Milan's Castello Sforzesco

The castle as you find it today, which you can visit for free, was built on the remains of a previously built castle, called Castello di Porta Giova. The Castle of Milan ('Castello Sforzesco') has been expanded and rebuilt several times and eventually it got its square design with the famous round towers at the corners. Restorations have also taken place after bombing and other destruction. With each renovation, the new owners or residents added their own ideas to Castello Sforzesco and architects and artists were hired to adapt and further expand the design of the castle itself, as well as the decorative elements.

^{Castello Sforzesco from the sky}

^{The walls of the Milan Castle}

Inhabitants of the castle

Several gentlemen of the Visconti family lived in the castle; they were a very well-known family in Italy. Duke Sforza later had the castle built on the old walls and then Prince Francesco Sforza took up residence there. Much later, the castle was used as a storage place for ammunition and even Spaniards lived in the castle when part of Italy was occupied by Spain. The French, Germans and Italians themselves also damaged the castle. It was not until Milan became part of the Kingdom of Italy in the nineteenth century that the castle's military character disappeared and the entire site was handed over to Milan city.

Famous contributions to Castello Sforzesco

In the fifteenth century, Leonardo da Vinci was engaged to develop his artistic talents in the Castello Sforzesco. Along with others – Zenale, Butinone and Bramante – the Milan castle was embellished with frescoes and other decorations. Unfortunately, not everything has survived the destruction that has taken place over the years. What you will find in the castle is the manuscript of Leonardo da Vinci (Codex Trivulzianus). A special fact is that a few years ago works by Michelangelo were discovered in the castle.

^{A courtyard of the Castello Sforzesco castle of Milan}

^{Visit Parco Sempione near the castle}

Special elements of the Milan castle

The decorative aspects around and on the building are frequently present. You will be amazed when the images and architectural details on the walls are concerned. The towers, the clock, the courtyards and the clearly defensive character of the Milan castle give you a good idea of how people used to live here and what they must have experienced in times of war. Yet you also clearly recognize the period in which there was attention and money for architectural and artistic values. Then in the Parco Siempione there are also the gardens with the fountain and pond and the various monuments - such as the monument to Napoleon III and the Mermaids Bridge - that put history in perspective.

What can you see in the castle?

Although you can still see a lot of history in the architecture of the complex, the castle now houses several museums, such as the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, the Egyptian Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Milan, the Photographic Archive and the Rondanini Pietà Museum. You will also see exhibited military objects, musical instruments and, for example, antique furniture. This mishmash of museums and the diversity of objects to observe make it an interesting stop during your visit to the city of Milan. You will learn about the history and local crafts. You pay 5 euros for this Castello Sforzesco ticket to visit this group of museums.

Tours & Tickets Castello Sforzesco

Where is the Sforzesco Castle in Milan?