A visit to Sforza Castle in Milan
The historical Sforza Castle in Milan, Italy, was once a symbol of despotism, but it is now a symbol of the city, housing numerous art galleries and museum collections. Sforza Castle is really the finest spot to observe the grandeur of Milan even during Renaissance. As you approached the fortress, you’ll gradually start to realize its immense size — undoubtedly one of the grandest citadels in Europe.
History of Sforza Castle
Originally, Galeazzo Visconti II constructed a castle here in the late 1360s or early 1370s, called as Castello di Porta Giova in Italian. The castle was first used as a regal home by Francesco Sforza, who became Duke of Milan in 1450. From then on, the castle was referred to as Castello Sforzesco, or simply Sforza Castle. Many of the castle’s halls were decorated with frescoes by Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante, artists hired by the Sforza family. Since its foundation in 1499, the castle has been ruled by France, Spain, and finally Austria. A garrison was established at the castle during this time. Pharmacy, hospital, indoor skate park, two churches and warehouses were among the structures erected on the property. There was a noticeable decline in the condition of the castle’s frescoes and stucco decorations.
The castle was returned to Milan’s ownership in the 1800s following the unification of Italy. After that, in 1893, the castle underwent a substantial renovation. Sforza Castle has been restored to its former splendor and is now home to a slew of institutions, including an art gallery, an archaeological dig, and a collection of musical instruments.
With Voxcity, you can take an audio-guided tour of Sforza Castle with mere emphasis on exploring. Sforza Castle, a medieval-renaissance castle constructed in the fourteenth century, is the subject of our excursion. It was amongst Europe’s largest fortresses, and because of its intriguing past, it is still one of Milan’s top beloved and visited attractions. Many historical artefacts and works of art by famous artists such as Michelangelo & Leonardo da Vinci can be found in its museums today. Self-guided audio tours are a great way to take in the must-see attractions at the Sforza Castle. Additionally, you may instantly take use of our exclusive navigation technology, which makes self-guided exploration simple, with numerous walking paths to choose from.
The Duomo of Milan, the Sforza Castle, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Sempione Park are just a few of the city’s many famous sites that you’ll pass as you travel across this side of the city. Enjoy your journey without any fuss by taking guided audio tours from Voxcity.
The Sforza Castle of Today
Despite its age, Milan’s Castle retains much of its historical significance. It has expanded its scope and significance in the city’s artistic and cultural landscape by taking on new roles. Archaeological Museums (Prehistoric and Egyptian) are housed in the complex, as well as a number of displays, libraries, and archives. Aside from that, the massive area covered by the fortress serves as a venue for a variety of other events, including temporary exhibitions and conferences. You can relax your aching muscles at the Park del Sempione, one of Milan’s largest green spaces, after so much art-indulgence. On the inside, you’ll find a library as well as a charming little lake in addition to a wide range of plants and flowers.
Why visiting Sforza Castle?
In terms of size and beauty, the complex is undoubtedly one of Italy’s finest fortifications. Originally built as a military stronghold, the Citadel of Milan has evolved over time to become one of the city’s most important cultural and artistic landmarks. Services, activities, and events are available at the Castle to fulfil your interest about a portion of the city’s heritage, beginning with the fortress’s original building and ending with today. Furthermore, you won’t want to miss the chance to see some of the most prominent Italian painters from the 15th to the 19th centuries in person. Not only that, but the structure also holds Michelangelo’s incomplete Pietà Rondanini, his final work before his death.
By Michelangelo- Wikimedia
Museums of Sforza Castle
City of Paris ended up taking over Castle management when monarchs fled. The Civici Musei Castello Sforzesco, a collection of tiny museums, presently occupies the castle. Many prehistoric artefacts from the Paleolithic period through the Late Iron Age and even Italy’s final Celtic peoples, going back to around 1000 BC, can be found at these institutions, including Egyptian funeral goods.
It also has a collection of Flemish and Dutch artworks from the Belgioioso family. There are also dozens of extraordinarily detailed Trivulzio Tapestries, as well as keyboard instruments and old tennis balls. Bramantino designed the Tapestries of the 12 Months in 1503. He did the lacing in the ducal factory in Vigevano.
How you can visit Sforza Castle?
Remember that the Sforza Castle is open to the public for free, so don’t hesitate to check it out. Even so, Voxcity sells ticket that includes an Audio Guide to Sforza Castle and most renowned places of Milan, one of the world’s great fashion capitals. With this self-guided audio tour, you may explore the Sforza Castle and Milan at your own pace. Your smartphone voucher can be exchanged for the Sforza Castle entry ticket by visiting our meeting point at the front of the castle. The blue vests and folders with the word VOX inscribed on them identify our employees. Please be aware that it is not the official audio tour provided on-site. The Sforza Castle’s open days and hours govern the availability of this self-guided audio tour.
Entry to the castle itself is free, however museum entry is not. If you just want to go around the courtyard of the castle, that’s acceptable. The courtyard of the castle is open from 7 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. every day. The castle museums are opened from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last entrance at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays till Sundays.
Other attractions that are nearby
The Duomo, with its stunning stained-glass windows and famed Candoglia marble, can be found not far away from this location. Once you’ve wandered around the cathedral’s five naves, take a “high up” tour to see its lovely terraces and get a closer look at the Madonnina (Virgin), who has been standing on the cathedral’s central spire since 1774 to defend the city and its citizens. Among the city’s other must-see attractions are the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of Leonardo’s Last Supper.
The Sforza Castle and Leonardo’s Vineyard, two of Milan’s most famous monuments, are also included in this special offer from Voxcity, so take advantage of it while you can. We’ll throw a free self-guided tour of Milan as an added treat from us to you.
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