Sforza Castle

Sforza Castle

Sforza Castle is a fortress in Milan, Italy, once the residence of the Sforza family who ruled Milan. It was once one of the largest castles in Europe and now houses several museums.

The original building on this site was constructed in the 14th century. In 1450, Francesco Sforza I began rebuilding the castle, which was further modified by his descendants. Many rooms originally featured elaborate interior decorations, the most famous being the ceiling painting created by Leonardo da Vinci in the Sala delle Asse. After the unification of Italy in the 19th century, the castle was restored but no longer used for military purposes, instead being handed over to the city of Milan. The restoration was led by Luca Beltrami, with the central tower above the main city entrance being rebuilt between 1900 and 1905 as a monument to King Umberto I.

In 1943, during World War II, Milan was bombed by the Allies, and the castle suffered severe damage. After the war, it was reconstructed by an architectural firm and repurposed as a museum complex, including the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Furniture, the Museum of Musical Instruments and Applied Arts, and the Archaeological Museum’s Egyptian and Prehistoric Department. Its collections include Michelangelo’s final sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà, and the original manuscript of Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Trivulzianus, both highly worth seeing.

Sforza Castle

Must-visit reason: Milan’s most impressive ancient castle

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Italy[Italy]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Lombardy Region [Lombardy Region]

City where the attraction is located: Milan [Milan]