Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) Tours and Tickets

Sforza Castle was built in the 15th century over an older fortification under the direction of Francesco Sforza of the Sforza dynasty. It has since undergone expansions and renovations, some by Leonardo da Vinci, and today hosts museums with artworks and artifacts from different periods of Italian history.

No, Milan's Sforza Castle does not charge admission. To enter, walk through the Filarete Tower gate in front of Piazza Castello Fountain or go to the back entrance via Parco Sempione. You can freely walk through the courtyard and public areas but must pay admission to its museums.

The castle is one of Milan’s must-see attractions. Seven museums are inside, including the Museum of Ancient Art in the Ducal apartments, the Pinacoteca, and the Museum of Musical Instruments. The Rondanini Pieta Museum houses Michelangelo’s final work, The Rondanini Pietà sculpture.

Sforza Castle is in central Milan within walking distance of several attractions. Among them are the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and the Brera District, known for its galleries, boutiques, cafés, and the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s foremost public art gallery.

Yes, photography is allowed inside Sforza Castle—one of Milan’s most photogenic attractions. According to local law, you can take photographs as long as they are for personal, non-commercial use. However, flash photography is discouraged, and exhibitions may give specific photography guidelines.

It depends. You can tour the courtyard and public spaces in 30 minutes, but visiting even one of the castle’s seven museums takes longer. Plan to spend three to four hours to see the grounds and one or two of the larger museums, though you could spend longer.