Weekend Museum Trip in Milan: Sforza Castle

🏰Sforza Castle originally served as a fortress, built between 1360-1370 at the request of Galeazzo II Visconti. In the 15th century, the fortress was transformed into a residence and gradually evolved into a luxurious castle under the influence of the Sforza family, attracting numerous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante. 🏰Over the next three centuries, Milan was ruled by foreign powers (Spain from 1535-1706; Austria from 1706-1796; France from 1796-1814; and Austria again from 1814-1859), during which the castle was used as a barracks. In the late 19th century, with Italian unification, the historic castle was restored by Luca Beltrami and converted into a museum. 🏰Today, the castle, along with its museums and cultural institutions, is one of Milan’s most important historical landmarks, drawing visitors from around the world. The museum is extensive and divided into several sections. 🏰I first explored the Museum of Ancient Art and the Armory. Here, you’ll find sculptures collected from Milan’s archaeological sites, religious buildings, city gates, and homes. These works reflect the style and tastes of Lombard craftsmen from the 15th to 16th centuries, alongside significant sculptures from Tuscan artisans. The museum also showcases a large collection of tombstones and inscriptions. 🏰The collections are displayed in the former ducal apartments, allowing visitors to walk through the once-glorious ducal residence. Decorated at the request of Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza (including a chapel) and Duke Ludovico il Moro, the apartments feature the stunning “Sala delle Asse,” designed by Leonardo da Vinci. #DayTrip #Milan #AncientCastle #SforzaCastleMilan #MilanDayTrip #LifeJournal #CulturalLandmarks #HeritageSite