Things you need to know about Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)

The Sforza Castle, a magnificent 15th-century fortification erected on the ruins of a former medieval fortress, located just outside the historical center of Milan. It was commissioned by Francesco Sforza, Ruler of the city, at that time. The Castle has been owned by a succession of Milanese kings stretching back centuries before Italy’s unification. Although the Sforza Castle contains intriguing tales and nuances that are unknown to the majority of tourists and locals alike, it is widely regarded as one of Milan’s monuments and most recognizable emblems. Discover the history of Sforza Castle and experience the sites that you can’t see anywhere else with a self-guided audio tour provided by Vox City. Your entry ticket will grant you access to the Sforza Castle Museum, where you may view various works of art, and is valid even on days when the Sforza Castle has special events.

History

Over the course of its existence, the Sforza Castle was used as a stronghold by numerous invading armies. The fortress would serve as a base of operations for the invaders as they pounced on the residents of Milan. There were several in the Milanese community who opposed the decision to reconstruct the castle, particularly towards the turn of the twentieth century. Many residents of Milan were opposed to re-creating the medieval fortification because of its bloody past. The inhabitants of Milan, however, opted to rebuild the castle in the style it had during the Sforza dynasty.

Reconstruction of Sforza Castle

Italy grew weary of war in the nineteenth century, planting the seed for a new ambition for unification. Parts of Italy that had been at odds with one another agreed to rejoin the country’s federation after significant deliberation. The Sforza Castle served as a military barracks until the unification of Italy, after which it was handed to Milan and turned into a museum. The government of Milan finally decided to engage Luca Beltrami to restore the castle after much deliberation. Due to its iconic status as the Sforza Castle, the citizens of Milan have resolved to have it restored to its former glory. After surviving devastation from World War I, the castle suffered additional destruction during the Allied bombing of Milan in World War II. After the war was over, restoration efforts proceeded, but now it was with the goal of opening the castle to the public as a museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

Families should think about visiting the castle and its museums, which provide tours geared toward younger visitors. Children especially love the nearby gardens and Museum of Musical Instruments.
The grounds of Castello Sforzesco are open daily, however the museums housed within are closed on Mondays.
Travelers with mobility issues can still enjoy the castle’s grounds.
There is a cloakroom at the entry where large luggage and backpacks must always be screened.

How to Get to There

From Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, head toward Piazza Castello, where you’ll find Castello Sforzesco. Cairoli, Lanza, and Cadorna FN are the closest stops on the metro.

In a rush? Here’s what to pick

Attempting to see everything the Castello Sforzesco does have to offer can be exhausting due to the sheer size of the castle and also the breadth of its cultural offerings in its various rooms. If you don’t have much time, you may still appreciate the stunning views of the Duomo from the castle’s outer walls and inner gardens.

Do not miss your chance to visit the beautiful Parco Sempione, which can be found just beyond the castle walls. Whenever the weather permits, a lovely picnic can be had in this enormous park designed in the English style. Once inside the castle, the Museum of Ancient Art is the must-see collection if you’re in a hurry; it houses some of the best artifacts of the cultural site and allows you to see the ducal halls that were once painted with frescoes.

Self-Guided Audio tour

Vox City offers a self-guided audio tour of Sforza Castle and the surrounding area of Milan. Sforza Castle is a Medieval and Renaissance fortification that dates back to the fourteenth century, and you can discover everything about it on this trip. It is one of the most cherished and frequented landmarks in Milan because of its intriguing history and the fact that it was once one of the largest citadels in Europe. Numerous museums may now be found there, showcasing anything from ancient artifacts to works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Learn about the history of the Sforza Castle and its must-see attractions with our self-guided audio tour.

Beginning with your arrival, you can take advantage of a self-guided audio tour of Milan from Vox City. Use our cutting-edge navigation features right away to simplify self-guiding, and select from a wide variety of suggested walking routes. As you get closer to Milan’s famous sites like the Duomo, Sforza Castle, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Sempione Park, you’ll feel yourself being absorbed into the city’s rich cultural history.

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