Negosentro.com | Visit the Sforzesco Castle in Milan | Milan is also among the most avant-garde cities in Italy, thanks to the new modern neighborhoods that have recently sprung up, such as Piazza Gae Aulenti and City Life.But the city is also very rich in history and art, and the history of Milan revolves around the Visconti and Sforza families, lords of the city between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Just they built, in what was once the outskirts of the city, the residence / fortification known as Castello Sforzesco, still today among the most visited attractions in Milan.
How to Get
You can reach the Castello Sforzesco on foot from the Duomo or from the Brera district. The most panoramic walk is the one that starts from the Duomo and arrives at the castle along Via Dante.By underground, the most convenient stop is Cairoli Castello (red line 1). From here you exit in front of the Torre del Filarete. Or, get off at Lanza-Brera (green line 2), to enter through one of the side doors.
Hours and Costs
The external areas and internal courtyards are open every day from 7 to 19.30.The museums are open from 9 to 17.30 (last admission at 17) from Tuesday to Sunday. Closing days are December 25th, January 1st and May 1st.The entrance ticket to visit the Sforzesco Castle costs € 10, and gives access to all the halls and museums. Admission is free every first and third Tuesday of the month from 2.00 pm.
External Architecture
The Castello Sforzesco today is square in plan, on the sides of about 200 meters surrounded by a moat, and with a door on each side. The towers that look towards the Cathedral are round and with a particular burchioni serizzo cover. The towers overlooking the park are instead square.
The main door is surmounted by the imposing Torre del Filarete, on which stands the bas-relief of King Umberto I, somewhat anachronistic.Being a building enlarged and rebuilt over time, the visit to the Castello Sforzesco is very complex. Download the maps and guide from the official website.
Leonardo al Castello: The Axis room
Among the things to visit at Castello Sforzesco we cannot forget the Sala delle Asse, decorated by Leonardo da Vinci. It is located on the ground floor of the Falconiera Tower.
Leonardo’s frescoes were unfortunately completely covered, and almost totally destroyed, in the period in which the Castle was used as a barracks.
The room is currently being restored to recover the original paintings, and from April 2019 it can be visited again thanks to an extraordinary opening, included in the entrance ticket.
The Pietà Rondanini
The Sforzesco Castle also houses Michelangelo’s last, great work, the Pietà Rondanini. A Piety different from all the others, first of all for the position of the subjects, and all focused on the pain of Mary. Michelangelo worked on it until a few days before he died.
Crenellated Tour
To walk the walkway along the embattled streets and the covered road of the Garland, it is necessary to book a guided tour, to be paid separately.The Ad Artem company offers tours of various kinds, even with a helper in the guise of Leonardo. The visits last about 90 minutes and will make you discover the Castle from an elevated point of view.Browse their site, you will find many offers for the whole family.
Sempione Park
Go through the north door, on which the coat of arms of the Visconti-Sforza stands out, a snake eating a devil.In front of you opens the green lung of Milan, Parco Sempione.
Originally it was a green area partly cultivated, and partly dedicated to hunting. The park we know today is an English garden, with avenues, artificial hills, waterways and works of art.
The Arch of Peace is located exactly on the opposite side of the park, visible from the Castle courtyard. The triumphal arch, in neoclassical style, dates back to 1838, and was built to celebrate the peace between nations achieved with the Congress of Vienna.
Parco Sempione is one of the favorite places of leisure for the Milanese, perfect for Sundays in the open air. It is not recommended, however, to attend it in the evening.
