Those who decide to go on an excursion to discover the capital city of Lombardy cannot fail to visit the Castello Sforzesco in Milan!
Next to the gothic spires of the Duomo over which dominates the golden statue of the Madonnina and alongside the modern profile of the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova and Citylife, the Castello Sforzesco remains one of the most significant symbols of the city of Milan.
This is the ancient mansion that belonged to the Sforza family: in fact, its origin dates back to the 15th century when Francesco Sforza had it built on the ruins of the old medieval Castle of Porta Giovia.
Mighty, with its fortified walls, Castello Sforzesco is daily home to a bustle of tourists and others. In fact, behind it is one of the city’s largest green lungs, Sempione Park, which is why the Castle Square and its courtyard are always teeming with people, between those visiting and those just passing through.
By the way–haven’t yet taken a tour to visit Milan’s Castello Sforzesco?
In this case, you have to make up for it! Here are the not-to-be-missed tours promoted by Neiade Tours & Events, perfect for getting a 360-degree understanding of the castle, its history and the treasures it still holds among its halls.
Visit to the Sforzesco Castle in Milan: 7 tours not to be missed!
Virtual Encounter: Relatives and. snakes – The Viscontis and the Sforzas
All we will need is an Internet-connected device to embark on this stimulating virtual tour to discover some of the Sforza Castle’s most intriguing court stories .
In this online meeting we will cross – virtually – the mighty walls of the fortress to hear about the events related to the Visconti and Sforza families and the intrigues at the hands of the two most powerful families in Milan, which determined the course of Milanese history over the centuries.
Virtual Encounter: The Ponticella of the Castello Sforzesco
Access to this place has been barred for years, but thanks to the magic of virtual for us this boundary does not exist: get ready to discover the famous Ponticella of Castello Sforzesco!
It is an elegant loggia, flanked by three small rooms, known to have been chosen by Ludovico Il Moro as an intimate retreat in which to mourn his late wife Beatrice d’Este, whose weeping seems to still echo near the so-called saletta negra.
Guided tour of the castle and city museums
What could be better than combining a guided tour of Castello Sforzesco with a dive into art history? In this guided tour, the team of Neiade Tours & Events will take you through the rooms of the castle to relive the atmosphere of life at court, among lords and ladies, but not only: we will also discover the precious sculptures preserved in the Museum of Ancient Art, the Hall of Leonardo’s Axes and finally the striking Pietà Rondanini left unfinished by master Michelangelo.
The Garland Road and the Underground of the Castello Sforzesco
The route of the Milano Sotterranea also weaves through the layout of the Castello Sforzesco: it is here, in fact, that the Strada Coperta della Ghirlanda (Covered Road of the Garland) is located, dating back to the rule of Duke Francesco Sforza, around the mid-15th century. The long road branches off at the counterscarp of the moat, and it seems that its function was to facilitate the passage of soldiers from the fortress to the Ghirlanda, that is, the second set of walls that originally defended the castle. Only one part, restored, is passable today: we will do so in the company of a guide who, by the dim light of a few flashlights, will catapult us back in time.
The Castello Sforzesco and its battlements
We will ascend to a decidedly scenic height on this guided tour that will show us the towers and battlements of the ancient Castello Sforzesco: we will discover which routes were beaten during the guards’ patrols, evocative connecting passages between the towers and the resting and supply rooms. From the Stanza delle Guardie to the Rivellino di Santo Spirito, we will walk along stretches that are as cramped as they are endowed with charm until we reach the Torre Castellana and the Torre Falconiera, from which a breathtaking view of the Milanese skyline is a must.
Guided tour of the castle with saffron risotto tasting
This tour will certainly appeal to foodies or, at any rate, to anyone who is eager to combine the experience of a guided tour of Castello Sforzesco with a food and wine tour. Ready to discover a signature dish of Milanese cuisine? In fact, after a tour among the outer courtyards of the castle, we will rest near the Filarete Tower where, in the modern location of Spazio Theca, our chef will be there to welcome us, ready at the stove. After an interesting showcooking will come the long-awaited moment: the tasting of saffron risotto!
360-degree tour of Castello Sforzesco
If this is your first time in the Ambrosian capital and you have decided to visit Milan’s Castello Sforzesco, this is the guided tour for you: walk the length and breadth of the castle to learn all about its history and the fascinating court events that took place here. Among crenellated towers and opulent rooms, you will discover some of Milan’s finest treasures such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Sala delle Asse, Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini, and the sculptures of the Civic Museums. And finally, a pleasant stroll through the greenery of Sempione Park!
Here’s another blog article you might be interested in: Milan walking tours: here are the 10 most beautiful routes.
