Milan Il Castello Sforzesco
Built for purely
defensive reasons by Galeazzo II Visconti around 1368, the Castello lost its
initial destination as a fortress to assume that of a kingly dwelling but
only to resume its original role of efficient fortress in 1450 under
Francesco Sforza, the new Lord of Milan. His successor, Ludovico il Moro,
turned the Castello into one of the most sumptuous courts of Renaissance
Italy and a point of attraction of the most talented artists of the time.
With the
sixteenth century began the slow and fatal decline of this massive building.
In the eighteenth century the Castello was taken over by the Austrians who,
with the exception of the French rule by Napoleon between 1796- 1814, kept
it until the liberation of Lombardy by Vittorio Emanuele II.
Its
reconstruction was carried out by the famous architect Luca Beltrami who,
starting in 1893, brought the Castello back to its former model.
Among the many
interesting centers of attractions of the castle, it is worthwhile
mentioning the impressive Tower of Filarete, the huge Piazza d’Armi
Courtyard, the Rocchetta Courtyard and the small Courtyard of the Fountain.
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Courtesy of Welcome to Milan - By the Town Turist Office
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