The Sforzesco Castle, located in Milan, Italy, is a historic fortress built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan. It has since been renovated and expanded, today housing several of Milan’s museums and art collections. The castle is a prominent cultural and historical site, attracting numerous visitors annually.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Explore the Castle’s Courtyards
Start your visit by walking through the grand courtyards of the castle. The Corte Ducale (Ducal Courtyard) and Corte della Rocchetta are open to the public, offering a glimpse of the castle’s impressive architecture, including its massive walls and towers. It’s free to roam around the open areas and soak in the historical atmosphere.
2. Visit the Museo d'Arte Antica
Inside the castle, the Museo d’Arte Antica (Museum of Ancient Art) houses a vast collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including sculptures, frescoes, and artifacts. Highlights include the Rondanini Pietà, the last, unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo, which is housed in a serene room dedicated to the artist.
Tip: Don’t miss the Sala delle Asse, a room with frescoes designed by Leonardo da Vinci, currently undergoing restoration but still viewable on certain occasions.
3. Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Frescoes
In addition to Da Vinci’s contributions to the Sala delle Asse, the castle’s Sala delle Guardie (Hall of the Guards) also features frescoes attributed to his school. These works reflect the master’s influence on Milan during the Renaissance, and they are a must-see for art enthusiasts.
4. Explore the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery)
The Pinacoteca at Sforzesco Castle houses an extensive collection of Italian paintings from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Highlights include works by Andrea Mantegna, Canaletto, and Tintoretto. The art gallery is a treasure trove for those interested in Italian art history.
5. Visit the Museum of Musical Instruments
One of the more unique museums within the castle is the Museum of Musical Instruments. It features a collection of over 700 instruments, ranging from ancient harpsichords and violins to rare and exotic pieces from around the world. It’s a fascinating stop for music lovers and historians alike.
6. Stroll Through Parco Sempione
Behind the castle lies Parco Sempione, one of Milan’s largest and most beautiful parks. This lush green space is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or just relaxing after exploring the castle. In the park, you’ll find several landmarks, including the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) and the Triennale di Milano, a museum of design and contemporary art.
Tip: Climb the Torre Branca, a steel tower in the park offering panoramic views of Milan, including the castle and nearby landmarks.
7. Visit the Archaeological Museum
The Civico Museo Archeologico, located within the castle, showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations, including Roman, Egyptian, and Greek collections. The museum provides fascinating insights into the ancient history of Milan and northern Italy, with well-preserved relics and exhibits.
8. Discover the Furniture Museum and Applied Arts Collection
The Museo dei Mobili (Furniture Museum) and the Museo delle Arti Applicate (Museum of Applied Arts) feature a collection of historical furniture designs, ceramics, tapestries, and decorative arts. The exhibits span from the Renaissance to the 20th century, showcasing the evolution of Italian craftsmanship and interior design.
9. Enjoy the Sforza Family’s History
Learn about the Sforza family, who played a crucial role in Milanese history during the Renaissance. The castle's museums and exhibitions often feature detailed accounts of the family’s rise to power, their influence on Milan’s politics and culture, and their patronage of the arts, including commissioning works from Leonardo da Vinci.
10. Attend an Event or Concert
The Sforzesco Castle often hosts cultural events, including open-air concerts, exhibitions, and theatrical performances, especially during the summer. Check the castle’s calendar for special events that might coincide with your visit. The Cortile delle Armi, one of the castle’s inner courtyards, is an atmospheric location for such performances.
Official Website: Sito Ufficiale Castello Sforzesco (milanocastello.it)
Main Positive Reviews:
The castle is a magnificent piece of history. The museums inside are very informative and interesting.
Amazing architecture and so much history. The art collections are impressive. A must-see in Milan.
Great place to learn about Milan's history. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained.
Loved the atmosphere and the historical significance of the castle. The museums are a bonus.
A fantastic experience. The audio guide was very helpful. Spent a whole day exploring.
Beautiful castle and museums worth visiting. At the end is a huge park where you can see the Arch of Peace. For kids, there's a play area near the end with a picturesque little train.
The castle is stunning after sunset. Summer events are very well organized.
A relaxing place with a historic monument, beautiful square, clean toilets, and a lovely walking park. Perfect for kids and a great escape from the city.
It's as good as the cathedral. Free to visit the exterior of the castle. Plenty of museums and exhibitions. Easy access to Sempione Park. Just a few meters away, you reach the Arena. Three adjacent metro stations.
Impressive old castle with many attractive performances in the evening, especially concerts. Shady seating is a bit limited, but there's a large park nearby.
Despite the different attractions/museums inside, you can visit without buying a ticket. Accessible through different entrances.
Main Negative Reviews:
Some parts of the castle are not well preserved. Information in English is limited.
The museums inside are not very well organized. Could be more engaging.
The ticketing system was confusing. Long queues and not enough staff.
A bit underwhelming if you are not a history buff. Some exhibits were closed.
Felt like the castle could do with more interactive displays. Some areas felt neglected.
One visitor was impressed by the rich history and artwork at Castello Sforzesco but extremely disappointed by the toilet facilities. Such a prestigious place deserves better care and maintenance.
Someone mentioned "This staff is man in a women's toilet and maybe they don't think it is a big issue but this is harassment."
Someone saif Very dirty territory. Rubbish is everywhere. I think the problem is not in tourists, because you can see the rubbish even in places which is closed for visitors.
Mediocre and boring.
Closed too early, especially on weekends. The visitor couldn't visit after 5 PM because it was already closed.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Entrance Fee: Approximately €5 for adults and €3 for seniors and students. Admission to the museums within the castle can vary.
Sforzesco Castle is highly rated on both Google and TripAdvisor, with an average score of around 4.6/5. Visitors appreciate its historical significance, impressive architecture, and the variety of museums it contains. Common praises include the informative nature of the exhibits and the beauty of the grounds.
However, there are some criticisms about the organization of the museums, the preservation of certain areas, and the availability of information in English. Additional concerns were raised about the cleanliness of the facilities and some operational issues. Despite these drawbacks, the castle remains a popular and recommended attraction in Milan, especially for those interested in history and art.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Overall, Sforzesco Castle offers a rich cultural experience and is considered worth visiting for most tourists.
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