Sforza Castle
Castello Sforzesco
The 15th-century red-brick castle of the Dukes of Milan. It houses several museums, including Michelangelo's unfinished final work, the Rondanini Pietà.
Sforza Castle was rebuilt in 1450 by Duke Francesco Sforza on the site of the old Visconti fortress. Both Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante took part in its decoration. For a time, it was one of the largest castles in Europe. It was later ruled by Spain, Austria and France, and used as a barracks. In the late 19th century, architect Luca Beltrami restored it to its present appearance. The 70-metre Filarete Tower at the centre of the façade is its landmark.
The castle courtyard is free to enter and open to wander. The civic museum complex inside requires a ticket. A combined ticket costs about €5, and entry is free after 14:00 on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The museums include the Museum of Ancient Art, the Musical Instruments Museum, the Egyptian Museum and the Furniture Museum. The most important is the Rondanini Pietà, Michelangelo's unfinished work, which he was still carving in his final days. Leonardo's ceiling painting in the Hall of Wooden Planks (Sala delle Asse) is also inside the castle.
Passing through the castle leads to Parco Sempione and the Porta della Pace (Peace Gate), the green lungs where Milanese people stroll and picnic. Take metro line M1 to Cairoli station or line M2 to Cadorna or Lanza station, then walk about 5 minutes. It's best to plan a visit to the Brera Gallery in the same morning or afternoon.
Opening hours
Courtyard 07:00–19:30; museum Tue–Sun 10:00–17:30; closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Parco Sempione & Arco della Pace
- San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
- Pinacoteca di Brera
- Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
- Biblioteca e Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
- Teatro alla Scala
- The Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie)
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II