Sforza Castle

Sforza Castle - Table of Contents................ Architecture Around the World

Sforza Castle Museum
Milan, Italy

In 1494 Ludovico Sforza became lord of Milan, and called numerous artists to decorate the castle. These include Leonardo da Vinci (who frescoed several rooms, in collaboration with Bernardino Zenale and Bernardino Butinone)

With the invasion of Napoleon in Milan the Sforza Castle was heavily damaged. The troops of Napoleon used the frescoed halls as sleeping rooms and the interior courtyards as stables.

After the unification of Italy in the 19th century, the castle was restored and transformed from the military fortress into the largest museum center. “Musei del Castello Sforzesco” include the Museum of Ancient Art, Furniture Museum, Museum of Musical Instruments and Applied Arts Collection, Egyptian and Prehistoric sections of the Archaeological Museum and Achille Bertarelli Print Collection.

Michelangelo's "Pietà Rondanini"

Michelangelo, the unfinished "Pietà Rondanini" the frescoed hall of the castle's Ospedale Spagnolo (Spanish Hospital) ... Four details below:

Detail #1

Detail #2

Detail #3

Detail #4

Tomb of Bernabo Visconti made by Bonino da Campione. The tomb consists of two different parts which were produced in two successive stages. The majestic equestrian statue of Bernabo Visconti was created in 1363. The marble tomb, decorated with bás-relieves depicting biblical stories, was completed in 1380-1385. ... Two details below: