Located in the centre of Milan, the Castello Sforzesco is a historic castle that houses some of the city’s best galleries and museums. Come to explore cultural institutions such as the Museum of Ancient Art, or imagine the fortress as it once was as part of a guided tour.
The castle was first built as a citadel and later housed the Visconti royal family. Residents destroyed the building when the last of the royal family died, and it was rebuilt in its current form a few years later. Despite many residents, a number of battles and large damage over the years, sections of the building still resemble the powerful fortress it once was. Restoration work at the end of the 19th century saw the castle open in its current form in 1900.
Walk to the centre of the complex to see the 70-metre (230-foot) tower. Artwork by Renaissance painters such as Leonardo Da Vinci adorned the walls and many are on display in the museums here today.
Take a tour to discover the long history of Castello Sforzesco. Book a guide through a local operator to see inside the structures that still stand. Walk around the fortress walls and into the two towers, Torrione dei Carmini and Torrione di Santo Spirito.
Inside the fortress complex you’ll find several museums, including the Museum of Musical Instruments, an Applied Arts Collection and the Antique Furniture and Wooden Sculpture Museum. Visit the Museum of Ancient Art to see masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo. Inspect the original manuscript of Da Vinci’s Codex Trivulzianus in the Trivulziana Library. The 55-page document provides insight into his brilliant mind through drawings and studies of architecture, military and language.
Reach the castle by tram or metro. For those coming by car, there are plenty of parking spaces in the area if you’re willing to pay. If you are coming on foot, walk through Parco Sempione to reach the castle. Sempione is the biggest park in Milan, and has trees, walking paths and statues.
The castle complex is closed on Mondays and some public holidays. There is a fee for admission.
