Sforza Castle

Citizens of Milan are very proud of Sforza Castle. It looks modest but has a long interesting history. Initially, it was built as a fortress, which should protect Milan from the conquerors. That was an order of Galeazzo Visconti, the ruler of Milan. But the locals did not support the military policy of duke, toppled a ruler and destroyed the castle.

The reconstruction of the fortress was started by the next duke Francesco Sforza, but he could not finish it. After his death, the castle was restored by the heirs. They invited Leonardo da Vinci and an architect Bramante to make all the works. The massive fortress turned to a residence of Milan dukes with pompous interior, patios and a central fountain in a cake-shape. Some of the elements we can see today. 

After this reconstruction, the castle became a home for Duke Galeazzo with the spouse Bianca of Savoy, where they lived for a long time. 

Today, Sforza Castle is a huge museum complex. Here you can find prehistorical, art and Egyptian museums, as well as a museum of tableware, furniture, wooden figures, and musical instruments. The tourists may visit all the museums with one ticket. The most interesting artifact is, probably, the last unfinished sculpture of Michelangelo “Rondanini Pietà”.