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The Sforza
castle was built in 1368 by Galeazzo II Visconti
as a large fortress in north-west Milan and has
an interesting history. It was later enlarged in
the 14th century, when it was converted into an
impressive ducal palace. In 1447 is was partly
demolished and a few years later, Francesco
Sforza, the Lord of Milan, restored the castle
and transformed it into one of the most splendid
residences in Renaissance Italy. As the years
passed, the Castello Sforzesco slowly fell into
decline and at one stage even resumed its
original military function. Almost demolished
completely, Luca Beltrami saved the castle and
restored it in the late 19th century. It is now
an important museum centre, with many
interesting attractions, including the Ducal
chapel, with original frescoes painted in 1472,
Rondanini Pieta, Michelangelo's final piece of
work which was left unfinished, and the Filerete
Tower, which collapsed in 1521 following an
explosion and was rebuilt many years later in
1905.
 Piazza Castello - Aerial view of Sforza castle |
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