A trip to Milan is not only an opportunity to look into fashion boutiques, but also an opportunity to touch the history of many peoples of Europe in one place.

Due to the fact that in the Middle Ages Milan passed from the hands of one ruler to another, conquered either by the Spaniards or by the French, the architecture of the central city has a historical connotation of each era of the conquerors. The Sforzesco Castle is no exception.

The foundations for the construction of the castle were laid by the Duke of Milan, Galeazzo II Visconti, in 1368. However, the walls and the castle itself began to be erected almost a century later only in 1450 under the leadership of Francesco Sforza. By the way, the name of the castle came from him. After 16 years, the founder of the castle dies, and the construction is completed by his descendants.

What to see inside?

On the map of Milan, Castello Sforzesco occupies almost a central place and is one of the most popular attractions of the old city.

  • However, next to the castle itself it is rather sparsely populated and quiet, since the territory of the castle is very large and diverse. There are several entrances, and behind the castle is the city park.
  • Along the perimeter of the Castello Sforzesco, you can observe a deep moat, into which tourists are invited to calmly descend and relax in the shade of tall medieval buildings.
  • For tourists, visiting the territory of Castello Sforza is free , but entrance to some museums located inside the castle may be paid.

The inner territory of the castle is vast and is an open space through which tourists slowly walk from one museum to another.

  • Right there on the lawn, you can relax and have a snack, or take a picture with a camera with an excellent background in the form of Torre del Filarete, restored at the beginning of the 20th century.

Part of the inner territory of the castle is occupied by the courtyards of the Dukes of Milan who lived in the castle. They tried to restore their interiors, but due to the constant transformation of the castle into defensive fortifications, then into an impregnable fortress, then back into a residential castle, not all of them have been recreated.

Once upon a time, Leonardo da Vinci himself painted frescoes in the ducal chambers, but to this day they have hardly survived. However, the Ballroom and Elephant Porch are fairly well preserved.

The castle also houses an unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo. Paintings by famous Italian artists are in harmony with the collection of musical instruments, causing some bewilderment among connoisseurs with their originality.

Guarded

Tourists from Russia will be a little confused when visiting Castello Sforzesco for the first time, as the crown of battlements that crown the walls and the shape of the castle towers repeat the shape of the same elements of the Moscow Kremlin. Yes, even the color is similar.

This copying is explained simply: the Milanese architects themselves worked first on the construction of the Moscow Kremlin, and then on the Sforzesco Castle in Milan.

  • After visiting all the museums of Castello Sforzesco, the logical conclusion of the tour will be a short walk through the neighboring Sempione Park to Arco della Pace, an architectural monument of the 19th century.

In 1807, Napoleon ordered the construction of the Arch, through which he planned to triumphantly enter Milan in honor of the victory over the Apennines.