Castello Sforzesco is a surprising monument sheltering several specialized museums and traces of the city’s past. An oasis of art and culture.

Sforza Castle: aerial picture
Sforza Castle: aerial picture

Castello Sforzesco was originally a Visconti fortress and later home to the mighty Sforzas, the rulers of Milan, who transformed it into a magnificent ducal palace thought to have been decorated by several of the greatest artists of the times including Donato Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci.
Trasformed into a military complex during four centuries of foreign occupation and subsequently used as the barracks of the Italian army, at the end of the 19th century the Castle was restored by architect Luca Beltrami who turned it into the headquarters of Milan’s Civic Museums.

Torre del Filarete
Torre del Filarete. Photo by G. Minero

Today the Castle sits in all of its glory in the eponymous square with its 70m-tall “Torre del Filarete” and a number of majestic circular keep-towers.
Parco Sempione can be accessed through its regal courtyards, the Corte grande, the Rocchetta and the Corte ducale. Inside the complex, in addition to the splendid collections of ancient and modern art and richly decorated furnishings, you can also admire Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini and the Sala delle Asse featuring an amazing vault decorated with frescoes designed by Leonardo da Vinci (currently undergoing restoration).
Nowadays, “Il Castello” houses a number of interesting museums and libraries. With Sforza Castle connected to Parco Sempione, it is a favorite weekend destination for young and old alike. 
Opening Hours: in winter open daily 7am-6pm, in the summer open daily 7am-7pm

This attraction is included in the Milan Tourist MuseumCard circuit

>> Read about the Castle Museums

>> Browse the photo gallery by MilanoPanoramica

Piazza Castello, 1
M1 and M2 (red and green lines) Cadorna FN
M1 (red line) Cairoli
M2 (green line) Lanza
Infoline T +39 02 88463700
www.milanocastello.it