Castello Sforzesco

Originally, the Sforza Castle was intended as a defensive fortress for Milan. Duke Galeazzo II Visconti decided to build a certain fortress-castle back in 1368. However, in 1447, the people of Milan rebelled against the cruel and warlike ruler. The Protestant Ambrosian Republic was created, which decided to overthrow the Visconti from the ruler's post and completely destroy the Sforza Castle. The stones collected from the castle's ruins were used by the invaders for the purpose of restoring the city's walls.

Later, under Francesco Sforza, the reconstruction of the castle began. After Francesco's death in 1466, his heirs, as well as the architect Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci (whose Museum of Science and Technology is also present in the city) rebuilt the castle into a ducal residence. At the same time, those luxurious interiors of the castle were created, a part of which can still be observed inside the building today. Internal courtyards and an elegant square appeared, along the edges of which were arcades created by Filarete and Bramante. The palace transformed into a residence for the Milanese dukes, and soon Galeazzo and his wife Bona of Savoy moved in.

Over the following decades, the Sforza Castle underwent many more dramatic events. For example, in 1521, a lightning strike exploded a gunpowder depot in the Filarete tower, and it was dismantled.

In subsequent centuries, the castle was repeatedly subjected to destruction, reconstruction, and restoration. During the Austrian rule and subsequently during Napoleonic dominion, it was used for various purposes, including military barracks and a prison. In the 19th century, the castle was partially destroyed, but restoration began at the end of the century.

In the 20th century, Sforza Castle was restored and transformed into a museum complex. Today, its walls house several museums, featuring collections of art, historical artifacts, and temporary exhibitions. The castle is one of the main attractions of Milan, drawing tourists from all over the world with its history, architecture, and art collections.

The Sforza Castle in Milan is a remarkable architectural complex that represents a combination of a medieval fortress and a Renaissance palace, with elements added in later periods.

The main structure of the castle is designed as a quadrangle with impressive towers at the corners, providing both a defensive function and symbolizing the might of the rulers. The most famous of the towers, the Torre del Filarete, served not only as a military fortification but also demonstrated the wealth and power of the Sforza family.

The main gate, located in the Filarete tower, leads into the inner courtyard of the fortress. The tower itself is a majestic multi-level structure with a quadrangular layout, reaching a height of 70 meters. The castle's main tower is decorated with a bas-relief of the Italian monarch Umberto I. The top of the first tier is adorned with heraldic frescoes and an image of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan.

The original tower was destroyed in 1521 due to a fire at the gunpowder store. Engineers and architects from different eras, including Filarete and possibly Bramante, worked on it.

During the historical reconstruction of the tower, engineer Beltrami used the existing perimeter of the walls, archival documents, iconographic evidence, and examples of the castles of Cusago and Viggiù.

Beyond these gates lie the inner courtyards, including the Ducal Courtyard, which served as venues for various ceremonies and events. These courtyards, with their gardens and fountains, provided a haven of tranquility and beauty within the formidable walls of the castle.

The castle's interiors are striking in their richness and refinement. Frescoes and artworks created by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci adorn the walls, turning the castle into a veritable art museum. Over time, the castle has undergone restoration that added elements of Neoclassicism and other styles to its architecture, making it even more unique.

The city art gallery is located on the second floor of the Ducal Courtyard of the Sforza Castle. It holds a great artistic heritage of the city. The 1500 paintings on display allow for an artistic journey through different periods, from the Lombard late Gothic to the Renaissance era (paintings by Foppa, Bergognone, and Bramantino), admiring the famous works of Andrea Mantegna and Antonello da Messina.

Inside the castle's northern and southern round towers, freshwater reservoirs have been preserved, playing an important role in Milan's water supply in the early 20th century.

The first reservoir was designed and placed in the eastern tower, to the right when looking at the main entrance. It was made of metal and served as a pressure regulator in the water supply system. The second reservoir was placed in the southern tower ten years later. At that time, its reinforced concrete structure was considered a bold and innovative solution.

The old hospital was never before open to the public. It was built in the mid-16th century for the Spanish garrison of the Sforza Castle. Now, it exhibits the last statue of Michelangelo.

The master's last work, "Pietà Rondanini," was left unfinished. Yet, the drama of the composition is striking: the figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary, mourning her dead son, emerge from the marble. This work is considered the spiritual testament of the great sculptor, who worked on the statue until the last days of his life. The unfinished statue was found in his Rome apartment, and then its whereabouts became unknown until it was discovered in the house of Marquis Giuseppe Rondanini, a refined Roman collector of art. After a series of resales, it finally found its place in a hall specially designated for it in the Sforza Castle.

Today, the Sforza Castle includes several museums:

• Prehistoric;
• Museum of Ancient Egypt;
• Museum of Musical Instruments;
• Museum of Decorative Arts and several others.

For many art lovers, this remarkable Italian landmark offers works to suit every taste.