Sforza Castle

水漫三楼

4.0/5

Excellent

Sforza Castle is one of Milan's most important buildings and a symbol of the city's rich history. Built in the 15th century by Duke Francesco Sforza I of Milan on the site of 14th-century fortifications, it now houses a complex of museums, including Michelangelo's *Pietà*. During the Sforza family's reign, Sforza Castle was one of the wealthiest palaces in Europe, and artists such as Leonardo da Vinci worked there. The castle has undergone numerous renovations and restorations throughout history, with a major restoration and reconstruction undertaken by architect Luca Beltrami from 1891 to 1905. Since the 21st century, the castle has continued to undergo restoration and archaeological work; for example, between 2021 and 2023, researchers discovered a secret tunnel system beneath the castle believed to be related to Leonardo da Vinci. Sforza Castle has a square plan, approximately 200 meters on each side, with towers at each corner. The castle was originally surrounded by a moat, with drawbridges at the gates; the moat is now dry or partially filled in. The castle's current visible above-ground area is approximately 40,000 square meters, while its area at its peak was about six times larger. The castle contains several courtyards, such as the Arms Courtyard, which was once used for ball games.