Castello Sforzesco Facts

Galeazzo II Visconti began construction on the Castrum Portae Jovis — the fortress's first incarnation — in 1360.

The castle complex originally covered 25.9 hectares — making it one of the largest fortified structures in Europe at the time of its construction.

The iconic entrance tower rises 70 metres above Piazza Castello. Destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1521 and faithfully reconstructed by Luca Beltrami in 1905.

The outer defensive walls reach up to four metres in thickness — designed to withstand cannon fire, which was transforming siege warfare in the 15th century.

The full external fortification system — mostly demolished by Napoleon — extended to 3 kilometres in length, enclosing the entire castle complex and its parade grounds.

The castle houses nine separate civic museums, from the Museum of Ancient Art (home to the Pietà Rondanini) to the Egyptian Museum and the Musical Instruments collection.

Leonardo da Vinci arrived at the Sforza court in 1482 and spent approximately 17 years working in Milan, producing some of his greatest paintings and engineering projects.

The park directly behind the castle covers 47 hectares — Milan's largest green space, designed by Emilio Alemagna in 1888 on the former military parade ground.

Entry to the castle grounds has been free since the complex was transferred to the Municipality of Milan. The courtyards and exterior are accessible every day of the year.