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The Sforza Castle or Castello Sforzesco, Milan, is an important part of the Major City Sights tour by A Friend in Milan. In the photo, one of the secondary gates with the drawbridge structure. |
Book a Major City Sights walking tour that includes the Castle
The Sforza Castle in Milan, a stronghold for art | |||||
For centuries, Castello Sforzesco was an impregnable stronghold built on the city walls. Each successive ruler added new defensive structures until it had reached today’s vast dimensions, though it was even larger in the past. It is now a stronghold for art and culture, with many museums. If you are interested in ancient and classical art, drawing and prints, Medieval arms and armour, or musical instruments, we can take you to the respective section. Here are some of the details of the Sforza Castle, Milan, that your tour companion will point out:
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At its heyday in 1450-1500, the Duke’s family had two residences inside. During wartime, they would move into one of the wings, inside the so-called Rocchetta, which was better protected against enemy invasions. (photo below) | |||||
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The spectacular fountain in front of the Castle was built in 1930, during the Fascist regime. The central vat is based on the decorative motif of a bundle of rods (a fascio), that symbolized Mussolini’s dictatorship. The people of Milan call this fountain tort de’ spus, (namely wedding cake), after the shape created by the jets of water (see photo below) | |||||
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Michelangelo and Leonardo at the Sforza Castle, Milan | |||||
The Sforza Castle Museum includes the Pietà Rondanini, the work on which Michelangelo was working feverishly when he died at the age of 88. It is incomplete, and it shows the almost Expressionist nature of his late years.
Other museums located within the Castello Sforzesco, Milan, include: • Furniture |
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