Sforza Castle’s Golden Age: An Audio Tour with Context

Sforza Castle witnessed all the changes Milan underwent between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Today, it’s an important museum, and Milan’s second most important building after the Duomo, the city’s impressive gothic Cathedral.

On this walking tour with art historian and Context Travel expert Laura Benitti, you’ll see the ancient fortress that also served as a checkpoint, barracks and the richly decorated residence of the Sforza ducal family during the Renaissance.

The tour starts on Largo Cairoli, the city’s famous square, from where you’ll venture into the castle and have a chance to explore its wonderful courtyards and museums, the Rondanini Pieta Museum and Museum of Ancient Art. They’re filled with famous masterpieces like a mural painted by Leonardo da Vinci, and the Rondanini Pietà, the last sculpture carved by Michelangelo in his life.

In addition to hearing about the art housed within the castle, Laura will also tell you about its history. Indeed, thanks to a decision taken by Milan’s citizens, the castle was carefully restored to its former glory at the end of the 1800s. The tour wraps up in front of Parco Sempione, a manicured garden with a view of Arco della Pace (the Arch of Peace).

On this 75-minute Sforza Castle tour, you’ll have an opportunity to:

• Cross Piazza Castello and take in the beautiful replica of the fountain which was first built during Mussolini’s visit to Milan in 1936
• Take in the Ducal Court, also known as Piazza d’Armi (the Square of Arms) because it was once a bustling hub for army training exercises
• Spot the ancient coat of arms of the Visconti and the Sforzas families in the Cortile della Rocchetta (Rochetta courtyard)
• See the Museum of Ancient Art’s collection, including twelve Italian Renaissance tapestries commissioned in the early 1500s
• Find traces of Leonardo da Vinci within the castle and hear about his connection to it

By the end of this tour, you’ll have been immersed in the wonderful world of Renaissance art during Milan’s Sforzas period. You’ll have picked up on the importance of the castle’s architecture, discovered the secrets of its restoration, and heard many of its fascinating stories!

Please note: This tour doesn't include entry to the museums which is optional and the tour can be done without visiting the museums. To avoid queues on the weekends and during peak season, I suggest purchasing the admission ticket online in advance.