Lombardia itineraries:
Milano Il Castello Sforzesco

Milano Il Castello Sforzesco

Built for purely defensive reasons by Galeazzo II Visconti around 1368, the Castello Sforzesco lost its initial destination as a fortress to assume that of a kingly dwelling but only to resume its original role of efficient fortress in 1450 under Francesco Sforza, the new Lord of Milano. His successor, Ludovico il Moro, turned the Castello of Milano into one of the most sumptuous courts of Renaissance Italy and a point of attraction of the most talented artists of the time.

With the sixteenth century began the slow and fatal decline of this massive building. In the eighteenth century the Castello and Milano was taken over by the Austrians who, with the exception of the French rule by Napoleon between 1796- 1814, kept it until the liberation of Lombardy by Vittorio Emanuele II.

The reconstruction of the Castello Sforzesco of Milano was carried out by the famous architect Luca Beltrami who, starting in 1893, brought the Castello back to its former model.

Among the many interesting centers of attractions of the castle, it is worthwhile mentioning the impressive Tower of Filarete, the huge Piazza d’Armi Courtyard, the Rocchetta Courtyard and the small Courtyard of the Fountain.

Text in part Courtesy of Welcome to Milano - By the Town Turist Office

© 1997-2010 Enrico Massetti
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