Castello Sforzesco

A Fortress Steeped in History

As you approach the Castello Sforzesco, you are stepping into a site that has served as a seat of power for centuries. Originally constructed in the 14th century on the foundations of an ancient Roman fortification, this massive medieval fortress was transformed in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza into a grand princely residence. Its imposing structure—featuring thick walls and towers at every corner—reflects its evolution from a defensive stronghold to one of the largest citadels in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Architecture and Atmosphere

The castle's layout tells a story of constant adaptation. You can explore the distinct architecture of its various sections, from the round towers built to withstand fire weapons to the inner courts featuring 15th-century arcades. Within the walls, you will find:

• The Torre del Filarete: A central tower reconstructed in the early 20th century based on 16th-century designs.
• The Corte Ducale: The wing originally used as a ducal residence, featuring two loggias, including the Loggiato dell'Elefante, which houses a fresco of an elephant.
• The Rocchetta: An internal defensive "ridotto" with its own gate bearing the Sforza coat of arms and porticos on three sides.
• The Tower of Bona of Savoy: A structure built in 1476 during the regency of Bona of Savoy.

Artistic Legacy

The castle is not merely a fortress; it is a sanctuary for Milan's cultural treasures. The extensive history of the site includes commissions from legendary figures like Leonardo da Vinci, who worked on frescoes in the Sala della Asse and even left behind sketches of tunnels beneath the structure. Today, the complex houses an impressive array of civic museums:

• The Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco: Featuring works by masters such as Titian, Tintoretto, Canaletto, and Tiepolo.
• The Museum of Ancient Art: Housing the castle's armory, tapestry room, and funerary monuments.
• Specialized collections including an Egyptian Museum, a Museum of Musical Instruments, and an Antique Furniture & Wooden Sculpture Museum.
• The Museum of the Rondanini Pietà: Home to Michelangelo's final sculpture.

A Scholar’s Retreat

For those seeking a quieter, more intellectual experience, you can visit the Biblioteca Trivulziana located inside the castle. This municipal library houses a vast collection of approximately 180,000 books, including over 1,300 manuscripts and incunabula. It is home to several rare treasures, such as an illuminated codex of Dante's Divine Comedy from 1337 and the Codex Trivulzianus—a notebook containing the writings and sketches of Leonardo da Vinci.