Every first Sunday of the month, Sforza Castle in Milan throws open their very large gates and welcomes all in for FREE. We were planning to go on another day during our recent stay in Milan, but I saw this and we rearranged our agenda to take advantage of free admission, which meant more $$ with which to shop. Thom went on an Italian shopping spree, so we needed to save where we could in order to afford more man jewelry, scarves, vests, collarless shirts and the list goes on. But back to the castle. which is enormous and houses an amazing museum filled with art, sculptures, tapestries, medieval weapons-something for everyone. There were even unfinished Michelangelo sculptures that we somehow missed in our wanderings. This place is HUGE!

We started our adventure by walking throughout the outside areas and imagining how life would have been living and working at the castle back in the 15th century. There has been lots of renovations over the years and as is always ongoing at a site this old. After strolling around outdoors, we dived into the museum. In the summer, go when it is cool in the mornings because these old structures don’t have central air or any air really and it gets hot fast. With so much to see inside, plan ahead to arrive early so you can spend at least a few hours in the museum soaking it all in. I would recommend getting the audio guide. There are English signs on most of the exhibits but taking a tour or listening to an audio guide is in order for such a vast assortment of exhibits.

Interestingly, we observed from the convenient onsite cafe that there were just as many locals taking advantage of the free admission as there were obvious tourists. When in Milan, enjoy the journey!

HISTORY:

We didn’t take a guided tour of the castle but there is so much history that I would recommend taking one if you have time. Short recap according to Castello Sforzesco – Wikipedia:

The Castello Sforzesco (Italian for “Sforza’s Castle”) is a medieval fortification located in Milan, Northern Italy. It was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe. Extensively rebuilt by Luca Beltrami in 1891–1905, it now houses several of the city’s museums and art collections.

VISIT INFO:

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco): Welcome to Castello Sforzesco Official Site | Castello Sforzesco Official Website (milanocastello.it) The castle is centrally located in Milan so you can wander after your visit and find cafes and shopping nearby. There are also trams that go right by the fountain in front of the castle if you want to hop on and tour around Milan.

• Free entrance to courtyards 7 – 19.30.
• Free admission to entire complex including museum every first and third Tuesday from 2 p.m. and every first Sunday of the month.
• Castello Sforzesco Museums: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5.30 p.m. (last ticket at 4.30 p.m.; last admission to each individual Museum/section at 5 p.m.)
• The Museums are closed on Mondays and these holidays: 25 December, 1 January, 1 May
• You can book online or buy your ticket at the Castle Museum Ticket Office. Ticket office hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-4.30 pm. The purchase must also be made for free holders (including children under 18 years of age).
• Full ticket € 5.00; reduced ticket € 3.00 (18-25 years and over 65).
• Audio guide € 5.00, on sale at the Bookshop.
• Every weekend at 11 a.m. guided tours of the Museums without reservation: on Saturdays in English, on Sundays in Italian. Single rate €17 (including ticket to the Museums), meeting at 10.45 a.m. at the Info point.