 Introduction
The Sforzesco Castle, one of the most famous monuments in Milan, has seen long historical vicissitudes during the past years. Much loved by the Sforza family, especially Galeazzo Maria Sforza and Ludovico il Moro who added many decorative features to the castle. It was demolished, then rebuilt several times, embellished and restored to become a symbol of both happy and dramatic events that are to be found in the historical background of the city. The castle houses many museums and collections.
 History
The Castello Sforzesco, held successively by the Viscontis and the Sforzas, was built in 1368, demolished by the people of Milan in 1447 and rebuilt from 1450 onwards. Along with the Cathedral - Milan's most famous and much beloved monument - the big Castle is linked to the vicissitudes and dramatic events that the city has been experiencing over the past centuries. For many years, in fact, it has represented a symbol of the power in the hands of the Dukes, as well as of the foreign dominators. The castle was enlarged by military architect Magatti under the instruction of Visconti's successor Gian Galeazzo. In 1500, once Sforza's rule was over, the building regained its military function and, after successive transformations, eventually fell into ruin. Only at the beginning of the 20th century the Castle assumed its distinctive role, becoming a place of culture, which hosted numerous Lombard art collections. The Castle was named after Francesco Sforza son of one of Milan's dynastic families, who transformed it into a ducal residence in 1450. But its origins date back to the second half of the 14th century, at the time of Galeazzo II Visconti.
 Location
Address: Piazza Castello, 3 20121 Milan
Transit: Underground MM1: Cadorna, Cairoli.
Underground MM2: Cadorna, Lanza
Bus: 43, 50, 57, 58, 61, 70, 94
Tram 1, 3, 4, 12, 14, 20, 27
 Whats to see
The Castello houses municipal museums containing art, antiquities, musical instruments and the highlighted Salle delle Asse, a frescoed room some attribute to Leonardo da Vinci. The grounds and buildings of the castle include a large parade ground and a large number of richly frescoed halls. The gateway leads into a vast main courtyard called Piazza d'Armi, getting past it and leaving behind the museums entry, on your right you will find the Ducal Court. Seat of the Civic Museums since 1896, the Sforzesco Castle hosts one of the widest art collection of the town: the Civiche Racolte d'Arte Antica, the Pinacoteca, the Antique Furniture Collection, in the Ducal court, are just part of it. The Rocchetta hosts the ceramics, the jewelleries, the antique musical instruments collection and the Trivulzio tapestries. Inside the castle there are also the archaeological and numismatic collections, the Achille Bertarelli collection of prints, just as important institutions such as the Biblioteca Trivulziana, the Biblioteca d'Arte, the Drawings Cabinet and the Art School. Recently a new lighting system enhances the castle silhouette by night time. It is possible to enter and walk about the castle grounds for free.
 Useful information
Telephone: (+39) 02/88463700
Open: 7.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. (in winter) 7.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. (in summer)
Closed: December 25, January 1, May 1
Disabled: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
 Links
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