Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
Piazza Castello, Milan, Lombardy, 20121
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) is a medieval fortress built by the Visconti dynasty that became home to Milan’s ruling Sforza family in the 15th century. Stark and domineering, the historic brick complex has massive round battlements, an imposing tower overlooking the central courtyard and surrounding Parco Sempione gardens, and interior decorations by Leonardo da Vinci. Today, the castle houses eight world-class museums and galleries, including one dedicated to Michelangelo’s final Pietà.
The Basics
The castle is among the most important cultural sights in Milan, together with the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie—where Leonardo Da Vinci’sLast Supper is located—and the Cathedral. Lines can be long to enter its museums, so book a skip-the-line tour of this vast complex to avoid a delay at the entrance or join a walking tour of the city that includes stops at some of its most famous monuments and a visit to the castle. Certain parts of the castle, including the crenellated ramparts and the covered "Ghirlanda" passage, are only accessible by private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
If traveling with kids, consider taking a family-friendly tour of the castle and its museums. Kids especially enjoy the Museum of Musical Instruments and surrounding gardens.
Il Castello Sforzesco is open every day of the week, but the museums inside are closed on Mondays.
The castle is accessible to visitors with limited mobility.
Large bags and backpacks must be checked in the cloakroom at the entrance.
How to Get to There
Castello Sforzesco is in Piazza Castello on the edge of central Milano, which can be reached from Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II by following Via Dante. The three nearest underground metro stops are Cairoli, Lanza, and Cadorna FN.
When to Get There
The museums offer free admission every Tuesday afternoon and the first Sunday of each month, so they’re very busy during those times. Avoid the hassle of the crowds by visiting on weekdays or Saturday.
Artistic Highlights in the Castello Sforzesco Museums
The Museum of Ancient Art holds a number of statues by Michelangelo, including the famousPieta Rondanini. Upstairs, the Pinacoteca is home to a collection of paintings by masters including Titian and Bellini, while the adjacent Museum of Applied Arts and Museum of Musical Instruments are also worth a visit. In addition, there are excellent Egyptian and Prehistoric collections in this large museum complex.
Ways to explore
The castle is among the most important cultural sights in Milan, together with the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie—where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is located—and the Duomo (Cathedral). Lines can be long to enter its museums, so book a skip-the-line tour of this vast complex to avoid a delay at the entrance or join a walking tour of the city that includes stops at some of its most famous monuments and a visit to the castle. Certain parts of the castle, including the covered "Ghirlanda" passage, are only accessible by private tour, while its museums and crenelated battlements can be explored on your own.
Accessibility
The museums are fully accessible, while the battlements and Ghirlanda passage can only be accessed via steps.
Age limits
Kid-friendly activity books and guides are available to download or at the castle’s information desk (Italian only).
What to pack
Camera and battery pack, water bottle
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, layers
Not allowed
Use your general admission ticket to access any or all of the castle museums.
Amenities
Restrooms, café, bookshop, audioguides
Address
Sforza Castle is located in Milan’s historic center, easy to reach with the city’s robust public transportation system, bike sharing, or on foot from nearby sights.
Driving
Milan’s heavily trafficked downtown is a restricted traffic area, and parking is limited and expensive. Opt to visit Sforza Castle by public transportation instead.
Public transportation
Take the metro line 1 (red) to the Cairoli or Cadorna stations or line 2 (green) to the Lanza or Cardorna stations. Tram lines 1, 2, 4, 12, and 14 stop nearby, as do bus lines 50, 57, 58, and 85. There is also a Bikemi bike-sharing dock just outside the castle.
Best times to visit
The castle complex is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm. The busiest times are at midday, while opening time and late afternoon are quieter.
Best days to visit
Sforza Castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday, but weekends see peak visitors. Weekdays are the best for a visit without the crowds.
Best months to visit
Visit from spring through fall to pair your tour with a stroll in the neighboring Parco Sempione, Milan’s premier public park.
Special events
Each summer, Sforza Castle hosts the Summer in the Castle program featuring live concerts, theatrical performances, and dance exhibitions.
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