A Complete Guide to Sforza Castle

Few landmarks reflect Milan’s long and complex history as clearly as Castello Sforzesco, better known as Sforza Castle. Located within walking distance of Piazza del Duomo, this vast red brick fortress has stood at the heart of the city for more than 600 years. Over time, it has served as a defensive stronghold, a refined ducal residence, foreign military barracks, and today one of Milan’s most important cultural centres. Exploring Sforza Castle offers a clear, layered view of how Milan has evolved through the centuries.

A Phoenix in Milan, The Story of Sforza Castle

The history of Sforza Castle closely mirrors the story of Milan itself. Repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, the fortress reflects the city’s resilience and its role as a centre of power and creativity in northern Italy.

Visconti Origins and the Ambrosian Republic

Construction began in 1358 when Galeazzo II Visconti ordered the creation of a fortress known as the Castello di Porta Giovia. This early stronghold did not survive long. After the collapse of Visconti rule in 1447, Milan briefly became the Ambrosian Republic, and citizens dismantled the fortress as a symbol of the former regime. Elements of the Visconti legacy remain visible today, including the famous “biscione” emblem, a serpent swallowing a human figure, still displayed on the main tower.

The Sforza Renaissance and Ducal Splendour

In 1450, Francesco Sforza took control of the city and ordered the castle rebuilt. His son, Ludovico Sforza, transformed the fortress into a prestigious Renaissance court. Artists and architects such as Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci were commissioned to decorate the interiors, elevating the castle from a military structure into a centre of political authority and artistic innovation.

From Military Barracks to Cultural Landmark

The castle’s role shifted again in the early 19th century when Napoleon Bonaparte used it as a military barracks, draining the moat and removing its drawbridges. By the late 1800s, the complex was badly damaged and faced possible demolition. Instead, Milan chose restoration. Architect Luca Beltrami led an ambitious project beginning in 1884, preserving the castle and converting it into the museum complex visitors experience today.

Architectural Highlights of Sforza Castle

Sforza Castle’s architecture tells the story of its transformation from medieval fortress to Renaissance residence.

The Filarete Tower

The main entrance passes through the Filarete Tower, commissioned in 1452 as a symbol of ducal legitimacy. Destroyed by an explosion in 1521, the tower was reconstructed in the early 20th century by Luca Beltrami using historic plans. Today, it stands as one of Milan’s most recognizable landmarks.

Courtyards and Ducal Spaces

Beyond the tower lies the vast Courtyard of Arms, once used for military drills. Further inside are the Rochetta and the Ducal Courtyard, where elegant Renaissance arcades, ribbed vaults, and decorative frescoes reflect the castle’s residential past. The Portico dell’Elefante, named for its animal fresco, is a notable highlight.

Battlements and Hidden Passages

The fortress forms a square measuring roughly 200 metres on each side, reinforced by corner towers and thick defensive walls. Visitors can walk along sections of the battlements for elevated views across the complex and the city. Below ground, the covered Strada Coperta della Ghirlanda allowed discreet movement of soldiers. The Ponticella, attributed to Bramante, once connected private ducal apartments, including the sombre Black Rooms associated with Ludovico il Moro’s mourning for Beatrice d’Este.

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The Museums of Sforza Castle

Today, Sforza Castle houses a group of civic museums that together form one of Milan’s most important cultural collections.

Museum of Ancient Art

This museum is considered the essential stop within the castle. Its most renowned work is the Rondanini Pietà, the final and unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo, displayed in a dedicated space that emphasizes its emotional depth.

Pinacoteca (Art Gallery)

Located on the upper floor, the Pinacoteca contains more than 1,500 paintings from the 12th to 18th centuries. Works by Mantegna, Bellini, Tintoretto, Canaletto, and Tiepolo offer a clear overview of major developments in Italian art.

Decorative Arts, Musical Instruments, and Archaeology

Additional museums include the Museum of Decorative Arts, known for its tapestries and fine craftsmanship, the Museum of Musical Instruments with examples from around the world, and the Archaeological Museum, which features both Egyptian artefacts and objects from prehistoric Lombardy. The Furniture Museum provides insight into domestic life from the 15th century onward.

Leonardo da Vinci and the Sala delle Asse

One of the castle’s most remarkable interiors is the Sala delle Asse, originally used as Ludovico il Moro’s reception room. In 1498, Leonardo da Vinci painted the ceiling to resemble a pergola formed by interwoven mulberry trees. The mulberry was a symbolic reference to the duke’s nickname and Milan’s silk industry. Long hidden beneath layers of plaster, the fresco was rediscovered in the 19th century, and recent conservation work has revealed additional monochrome drawings that suggest Leonardo planned an even more immersive decorative scheme.

Parco Sempione, The Green Space Behind the Castle

Directly behind the fortress is Parco Sempione, a large English style park that was once a ducal hunting ground. Today it is a popular place to relax and explore. Highlights include the Arco della Pace, the slender Torre Branca designed by Gio Ponti with panoramic city views, the historic Ponte delle Sirenette, and the nearby Triennale Design Museum.

Practical Visitor Information

Sforza Castle is easy to reach using Milan’s public transportation network. Metro lines M1 and M2 stop at Cairoli Castello and Cadorna FN, and several tram and bus routes also serve the area.

The castle grounds and courtyards are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The museums are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Entry to the grounds is free, while museum admission requires a ticket. Admission is free on the first and third Tuesday of each month after 2:00 p.m.

Allow at least three to four hours to explore the main museums and courtyards. If your schedule is tight, focus on the Museum of Ancient Art and the Sala delle Asse.

Why Sforza Castle Should Be Part of Your Milan Visit

Sforza Castle is not simply a historic monument, it is a living record of Milan’s political ambition, artistic achievement, and ability to adapt over time. From medieval defences to Renaissance masterpieces and modern museum spaces, it offers one of the most complete introductions to the city’s heritage. For travellers planning a wider itinerary, it fits naturally alongside other highlights featured in this guide to Things to do in Milan, making it an essential stop on any first visit to Milan.