Castello Sforzesco in Milan has evolved over the years. It was built in 1450 by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, as his residence. When he died, his son Galeazzo Maria continued its construction. In the late 1400’s, Ludovico Sforza became Lord of Milan and hired many artists including Leonardo da Vinci to decorate the castle. Leonardo’s work can seen on the ceiling of the Sala delle Asse.
When the Spanish controlled Milan in the 1500’s, they converted the castle to a citadel. They modernized the castle fortress by changing its design and extending the walls.
In the early 1900’s, when Italy became unified, the castle was no longer used by the military. Instead, it was used by the city. The government of Milan continued the restoration work. The Via Dante was built to connect the castle to the Duomo.
Today, the castle has become a collection of museums. These museums include the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Egyptian Museum, the Architectural Museum of Milan, Applied Arts Collection, the Antique Furniture & Wooden Sculpture Museum, the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, the Achille Bertarelli Print Collection, and the Museum of Rondanini Pietà.
Starting today, you can visit Castello Sforzesco and use your Duckwyn Passport to add the stamp to your collection.
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