Castello Sforzesco

About Castello Sforzesco

Famous for its sprawling shopping area and luxurious fashion brands, Milan is a shoppers’ paradise. But that’s not all. The city is home to many historical landmarks dating back to the medieval period. Castello Sforzeco is an iconic historical castle with a lot of history. It’s been built, renovated, destroyed, and rebuilt multiple times. It served as a fortress, then a residence, and finally, a museum that draws thousands of tourists every year. 

Castello Sforzesco has museums that offer something to all kinds of visitors — whether you are an artist, a musician, or a history buff. The castle houses museums and is within close proximity to Milan’s shopping market, with a Parco Sempione park next to it. This makes it a perfect attraction for tourists who want history, fashion, and scenery—all in one place. If you are in Milan, don’t forget to visit this historical beauty. Here’s all you should know about the castle.

Castello Sforzesco has a defensive design. The tower, clock, courtyard, and every corner of it take you back to the medieval era, giving you a glimpse of the wars and people’s lifestyles. The architecture featuring intricate details is the main sight here, but the castle is now mostly the museum that speaks volumes about the historical events that took place here.

Inside the castle are the museums, including the Rondanini Pietà Museum, the Egyptian Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Milan. As you enter, you will see antique furniture and several musical instruments. There’s also a library, where you can find old manuscripts and plenty of books. The castle also features a gorgeous banquet hall known for its beautifully decorated ceiling work by Leonardo da Vinci.

Another interesting fact about this castle is the underground tunnels, which were once used for defensive purposes during the war and to transport goods.

History of Castello Sforzesco

The castle is named after Francesco Sforza, who constructed it for defense purposes. The construction started in 1450 and took 10 years to complete. Since then, the castle has been used for different purposes. It was used as a residence for the families that ruled the town in the 15th century. Later in the 19th century, the castle was rebuilt and converted into a museum. Luca Beltrami, an Italian architect, managed the renovation project. Today, it’s much more than a museum. The walls of the castle, the paintings, and each room tell a unique story.

Tips for your visit to Castello Sforzesco

Make your trip to the castle fun and memorable with these tips:

• Museums are often quite busy on most days. Your best bet is to get the skip-the-line pass that gives you immediate entry or join the Castello Sforzesco walking tour.
• There’s no specific dress code for visitors.
• There’s always something going on in the castle — be it an exhibition, a live concert, or other events. You can check the current events before planning a trip.
• Book a Castello Sforezco guided tour to learn the detailed history of the castle. 
• When you are done exploring the castle, head to the nearest shopping street and Duomo
• Visit the castle in the early morning or on weekdays to avoid crowd
• Summer is the best time to visit the castle. You can take a walk around the park once you are done exploring the history.
• Driving is not advised, as parking is difficult to find in this area.

Castello Sforzesco Tickets

Tickets to the castle cost around 5 EUR for adults and 3 EUR for seniors and certain European citizens. Entry is free for kids under 18. You can get the tickets online to avoid the long queues at the entrance. An audioguide will cost 13.50 euros.  Ideally, you should buy a combined ticket that gives you access to different museums. Check the museum’s timing before visiting. While the castle opens at 5 AM, museums open at around 9 AM.