03.10.06
Sforzesco Castle Milan. Places to visit
Sforzesco Castle Milan. Places to visit
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Milan is the Sforzesco Castle; it has been rebuilt several times, restored to become a reminder of the historical background of the city. The Porta Giovia, the old fortress was built in 1360 along with Milan’s medieval walls, including the famous gate with the same name. Under the control of Galeazzo II Visconti the fortress was built as a defensive fortress. His successors Gian Galeazzo and Filippo Maria continued extending the building, changing the fortress into a residence and creating the great park in the northern area. The Visconti Castle had a square design, with a tower in each corner. The last descendant of the Visconti family, Filippo Maria, died in 1447. He had no successors, so the people of Milan proclaimed a Republic. The great fortress was destroyed and its stones were used to restore the town’s defensive walls. In 1450, General Francesco Sforza, became Duke of Milan. The Castle was reborn on the ancient foundations of the Visconti Castle. The new fortress appeared more sophisticated with the added Filarete tower, which was placed at the entrance, and the great round towers designed by architect Bartolomeo Gadio.
