Point of interest
Castello Sforzesco
in Milan, Italy
A grand 15th-century ducal fortress housing museums and works by Leonardo and Michelangelo, opening onto the leafy expanse of Parco Sempione.
Where it is
The castle stands at the end of Via Dante, between the historic centre and the large Parco Sempione park.
Address: Piazza Castello, 20123 Milan
What it is
Behind its massive brick walls and courtyards now lie several civic museums, including the Pietà Rondanini, Michelangelo's last unfinished sculpture, and the Sala delle Asse painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Free access to the courtyards and adjoining park also makes it a popular gathering place.
History
Its core goes back to the 14th-century Visconti fortress known as Castello di Porta Giovia; in the mid-15th century Duke Francesco Sforza rebuilt it as a ducal residence. After centuries of military use it was restored in 1891–1905 by Luca Beltrami and turned into a home for the city's museums.