The Sforzesco Castle, also known as Castello Sforzesco, is one of the most famous landmarks and symbols of Milan. It has existed for seven centuries and is named after Duke Francesco Sforza, whose residence it was. Nowadays, the castle is an architectural complex in the historical center of the city with a large garden and several museums. The castle was built in the XIV century, when the aristocratic Visconti dynasty decided to have a residence near Milan (at that time this territory did not belong to the city). But after the overthrow of the government, the Viscount's family was forced to leave their home. A few years after the existence of the new republic, Francesco Sforza, a military leader and the new Duke of Milan, came to power, who restored Sforza and turned it into his residence. Over the centuries, the castle was often the target of attacks, which caused significant damage to it. The last restoration was carried out in 1900 and currently exists in period form.
The central tower of the Sforzesco is a tetrahedral building 70 meters high. It is decorated with a bas-relief depicting the Italian king Umberto I. On the first level of the tower there are frescoes with images of coats of arms and a portrait of the patron saint of Milan - St. Ambrose. On the second tier there is a clock called “Sun of Justice”. It has been here since the Visconti dynasty. The tower houses the main gate of the Castello Sforzesco, from where you can enter the courtyard. In front of the castle you will see the famous fountain, which is also called the “wedding cake”.
The castle houses several museums. One of them is Museum of Ancient Art. The halls display collections of fine art and sculpture from Milan and Lombardy, from the Roman period to the end of the 16th century. Among the most famous exhibits are Bernabe Visconti on horseback and a statue dedicated to the knight Gaston de Foix. Also worthy of special mention is the hall frescoed by Leonardo da Vinci Sala delle Asse and the Duke's Chapel.
It is impossible not to mention the latest work of Michelangelo Buonarroti - the unfinished sculpture "Pieta Rondanini". The name is due to the fact that this statue was kept for a long time in the Rondanini Palace in Rome. The meaning of the work is the tragic unity of mother and child, the Virgin Mary and Jesus. A mother hugs the body of her deceased son, it is difficult to part with him - she does not cry, does not scream, does not wring her hands, but grieves without words.
Pinacotheca of the Sforza Castle - the art gallery consists of seven halls, which display paintings created before XVII century. Here you will see works by Filippo Lippi, Antonello da Messina, Andrea Manteni, Titian, Canaletto, Correggio, Tiepolo, Fopa, Leonardosca, Procaccini and other famous artists.
Museum of Decorative Arts - the exhibition is divided into several thematic sections, which present objects made of gold, ivory, bronze, and ceramics. and art glass. I would like to draw your attention to ceramics, in particular to the collection of majolica from the 16th century, the Trivulzio tapestries and the collection of textiles from 1503-1509.
Museum of Furniture and Wood Sculpture:
Egyptian Museum:
Museum of Musical Instruments: there are more than 700 different musical instruments on display, including an Andrea Guarneri violin, a collection of guitars, as well as exotic musical instruments China, Japan, Australia and African countries.
The Sforza Castle also houses rooms for numismatics and medals, graphic works and an archaeological museum.
Address of the Sforza Castle: Piazza Castello.
The Sforza Castle is open every day - 07:00-19:30, museums - from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00-17:30.
Admission to the Sforza Castle is free.
Admission to museums is paid. Ticket price:
- for adults - 5 euros, for youth 18-25 years old and over 65 years old - 3 euros;
- admission to museums is free on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 14:00.
You can purchase tickets at the castle box office and online. It is valid for one day.
How to get there:
- red M1 - stop Cadorna/Cairoli - and green M2 - stop Cadorna/Lanza - metro line;
- bus №50, 57, 58, 61, 94, 164 - stop Cadorna;
- tram №1, 2, 4, 12, 14 - stop Cadorna.
To buy tickets online and for more information, visit the official website of the Sforza Castle: https://www.milanocastello.it/en.
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