A Complete Guide to Sforza Castle

There are few landmarks that capture the story of Milan as fully as Castello Sforzesco, commonly known as Sforza Castle. Just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo, this vast red brick fortress has stood at the center of Milanese life for more than 600 years. Over the centuries, it has served as a defensive stronghold, a lavish ducal residence, a military barracks, and today one of Italy’s most important cultural complexes. Visiting Sforza Castle is like walking through the layered history of Milan itself, with each courtyard and gallery revealing a different chapter of the city’s past.

A Phoenix in Milan, The Story of Sforza Castle

Sforza Castle’s history mirrors Milan’s own cycle of destruction and renewal. The site has been built, demolished, and rebuilt several times, shaped by powerful dynasties and turbulent political shifts.

Visconti Origins and the Ambrosian Republic

The castle’s story begins in 1358, when Galeazzo II Visconti ordered the construction of a fortress known as the Castello di Porta Giovia. This early stronghold did not last long. After the fall of the Visconti family in 1447, Milan briefly became the Ambrosian Republic, and the citizens dismantled the hated symbol of ducal power. Reminders of the Visconti era remain, including the famous “biscione” emblem, a serpent devouring a human figure, still visible on the main tower.

The Sforza Renaissance and Ducal Splendor

In 1450, the mercenary leader Francesco Sforza seized control of Milan and ordered the castle rebuilt. Under his son Ludovico Sforza, the fortress was transformed into one of the most refined Renaissance courts in Europe. Artists and architects such as Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci were commissioned to decorate the interiors, turning a military structure into a symbol of political power and artistic ambition.

From Military Barracks to Cultural Landmark

The castle’s role changed again in the early 19th century, when Napoleon Bonaparte converted it into a military barracks, draining the moat and removing drawbridges. By the late 1800s, the complex was badly damaged and even considered for demolition. Instead, Milan chose preservation. Architect Luca Beltrami led a major restoration beginning in 1884, saving the castle and reinventing it as the museum complex visitors explore today.

Architectural Highlights of Sforza Castle

Walking through Sforza Castle is an architectural journey from medieval defense to Renaissance elegance.

The Filarete Tower

The main entrance passes through the Filarete Tower, commissioned in 1452 as a statement of ducal authority. Although destroyed by an explosion in 1521, the tower was faithfully reconstructed in the early 20th century by Luca Beltrami using historical drawings. Today, it stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Milan.

Courtyards and Ducal Spaces

Beyond the entrance lies the vast Courtyard of Arms, once a military parade ground. Deeper inside are the Rochetta and the Ducal Courtyard, where Renaissance arcades, ribbed vaults, and decorative frescoes reflect the castle’s transformation into a noble residence. One highlight is the Portico dell’Elefante, named for a surviving animal fresco.

Battlements and Hidden Passages

The castle’s square layout measures roughly 200 meters per side, reinforced by corner towers and thick walls. Visitors can walk along sections of the battlements for elevated views over the city. Below ground, the covered road known as the Strada Coperta della Ghirlanda allowed soldiers to move unseen. Another notable feature is the Ponticella, a bridge attributed to Bramante that once connected private ducal apartments, including the somber Black Rooms where Ludovico il Moro is said to have mourned his wife, 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 richest cultural collections.

Museum of Ancient Art

This is the highlight for many visitors, featuring works from the early Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The most celebrated piece is the Rondanini Pietà, the final and unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo, displayed in a dedicated space that emphasizes its emotional power.

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 showcase the evolution of Italian painting across regions and periods.

Decorative Arts, Musical Instruments, and Archaeology

Other museums within the castle include the Museum of Decorative Arts, known for its tapestries and fine craftsmanship, the Museum of Musical Instruments with collections from around the world, and the Archaeological Museum, which features both Egyptian artifacts and finds from prehistoric Lombardy. A dedicated Furniture Museum offers insight into domestic life from the 15th century onward.

Leonardo da Vinci and the Sala delle Asse

One of the castle’s most remarkable spaces is the Sala delle Asse, once the official reception room of Ludovico il Moro. Leonardo da Vinci painted the ceiling in 1498, creating an illusion of a pergola formed by interwoven mulberry trees. The mulberry motif was a clever 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 restorations have revealed additional monochrome drawings that hint at Leonardo’s original, more ambitious vision.

Parco Sempione, The Green Heart Behind the Castle

Directly behind the fortress lies Parco Sempione, a large English style park that was once a ducal hunting ground. Today it is one of Milan’s most popular green spaces. Highlights include the Arco della Pace, a neoclassical triumphal arch, the slender Torre Branca designed by Gio Ponti with panoramic city views, the romantic Ponte delle Sirenette, and the nearby Triennale Design Museum.

Practical Visitor Information

Sforza Castle is easy to reach using Milan’s public transportation system. Metro lines M1 and M2 stop at Cairoli Castello and Cadorna FN, with several tram and bus lines also serving 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 through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Entry to the grounds is free, while museum tickets are required. Admission is free on the first and third Tuesday of each month after 2:00 p.m.

Plan to spend at least three to four hours exploring the main museums and courtyards. If time is limited, prioritize the Museum of Ancient Art and the Sala delle Asse.

Why Sforza Castle Belongs on Your Milan Itinerary

Sforza Castle is more than a historic site, it is a living record of Milan’s political power, artistic achievement, and resilience. From medieval fortifications to Renaissance masterpieces and modern museum galleries, it offers an unmatched overview of the city’s heritage. For travelers planning a broader itinerary, it pairs naturally with nearby landmarks and experiences featured in this guide to Things to do in Milan, making it an essential stop for any first visit to the city.