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Castle · Milão, Lombardia
Castello Sforzesco
Brick castle of the Dukes Sforza, with open courtyards, municipal museums, the Sala delle Asse painted by Leonardo and the Pietà Rondanini, Michelangelo's last sculpture.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Castello Sforzesco
The Castello Sforzesco was erected in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on top of an earlier Visconti fortress. The entrance tower, the Torre del Filarete, was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century, when the castle already belonged to the city and was restored by the architect Luca Beltrami.
The courtyards and the large Cortile delle Armi are free to enter and serve as a passage to the Parco Sempione, which stretches behind the castle to the Arco della Pace. Inside are the Musei del Castello, with ancient art, weapons, furniture, musical instruments and the Pinacoteca.
In the Sala delle Asse, Leonardo da Vinci painted for Ludovico Sforza a pergola of interlaced trees that covers the ceiling. The room went through a long restoration and may have limited access: check before you go.
In the former Ospedale Spagnolo is the Pietà Rondanini, Michelangelo's last, unfinished sculpture. He worked on it until a few days before he died, in 1564, aged 88. The piece sits alone in the room, and you can walk around it and see the chisel marks.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 hour for the courtyards and the Pietà Rondanini; 2 to 3 hours for the museums at a relaxed pace.
Best time
In the morning, with light entering the courtyards. Combine with a walk through Parco Sempione in the late afternoon.
How to get there
Piazza Castello. Metro M1 (red), Cairoli station, or M2 (green), Lanza station; the Cadorna station for the Malpensa Express is a 5-minute walk. From the Duomo it's a 15-minute walk along Via Dante.
Tip
The courtyards are free; the ticket is for the museums and includes the Pietà Rondanini. Check the closing days of the municipal museums before you go.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castello Sforzesco
Do I need to pay to enter the castle?
The courtyards are free to enter. A ticket is required for the museums, where the Pietà Rondanini is located.
Where is the Pietà Rondanini?
In the former Ospedale Spagnolo, inside the castle, in a dedicated room. Entry is included in the museums' ticket.
Is the castle near the Duomo?
Yes, about a 15-minute walk along Via Dante, a pedestrian street that links Largo Cairoli to Piazza Cordusio.