The Castello Sforzesco is one of the most emblematic defense castles and popular landmarks in Milan, Italy. It used to be the palace of the Sforza family and has now been transformed into a museum and cultural site, showcasing famous collections such as Leonardo da Vinci’s hand-painted ceiling frescoes and Michelangelo’s sculptures.
The history of Castello Sforzesco dates back to the 14th century when it was initially built as a defensive fortress by the ruling Visconti family of Milan. In 1447, after the death of Duke Filippo Maria Visconti, who had no male heir, the ducal title was passed to his son-in-law General Francesco Sforza, marking the official takeover of Milan by the Sforza family.
Francesco undertook massive reconstruction of the castle, turning it into a formidable military fortress. The descendants of the Sforza family further enhanced the castle, creating one of the most magnificent courts of the time. They invited renowned architects and artists, including Leonardo da Vinci and Donato Bramante, to decorate the castle, making it an important artistic hub of the Renaissance period.
However, the political situation in Milan was unstable, and the Sforza family eventually could not resist the invasions by Spain and Austria. The castle suffered damage during wars and even faced bombings during World War II.
Fortunately, in the late 19th century, Italian architect and historian Luca Beltrami led the restoration project, bringing back the historical and artistic charm of this medieval castle. Today, Castello Sforzesco stands as one of the important historical buildings in Milan, housing a rich collection of art treasures, including Michelangelo’s “Pietà” and Leonardo da Vinci’s elaborate ceiling, continuing to narrate its splendid history.
Built with red bricks, Castello Sforzesco may not be as grandiose as a cathedral, but it still echoes its past splendor and grandeur. The square-shaped castle features spacious courtyards, majestic walls, moats, towering towers, and battlements that are architectural highlights worth exploring.
Inside the castle, there are numerous museums covering various themes, from ancient art, musical instruments, Egyptian artifacts, archaeology, applied arts, to antique furniture, showcasing a diverse range of historical and cultural heritage.