Sforza Castle

One of the most famous monuments in Milan is a Sforzesco Castle, which during its long history was a residence, military camp and even the jail.

Its history began in 1358, when Galeazzo Visconti decided to build the fortress and the residence for his family. The work was done very quickly. Only in ten years after on the suburb of the city arose a castle surrounded by walls with towers on its corners.

The descenders of Galeazzo (Gin and Filippo Maria) enlarged the castle but after the death of Filippo Maria Visconti castle has been almost razed by the people during the times of so-called Ambrosian Republic.

Photo Milan Sforza Castle Main Entrance

Young Republic was in the state of war with Venice and it gave a chance to the military leader of Milan Francesco Sforza snap the power in the city. When Sforza became a new ruler of the city, he restored the castle and gave his name to it.

The heyday of Sforza Castle was during the Ludovico Sforza reign who transformed it into the wonderful palace. Ludoviko invited most famous artists of his time including Bramante and da Vinci for castle decoration and Sforzesco Castle became one of the cutest places in Europe.

Unfortunately, after the fall of the Sforza dynasty and following Milan occupation by foreign troops, castle has not been used as the residence. It was neglected and transformed into the military barracks. As result many of pieces of arts in the castle (including murals by da Vinci) where destroyed.

In the 16 century Spanish troops built new lines of fortifications around the Sforzesco Castle. But at the beginning of the 19 century they were demolished according to the Napleon decree. Today some of the remnants of the Spanish fortifications are visible in the Sempione Park.

At the second part of the 19th century the castle was in so bad conditions that city authorities even thought to demolish the castle and clear area around it.

Castle was saved thanks to the architect Luca Beltrami who proposed to restore it and place there public museums. The renovated work started in 1893 and in 1900 Sforza Castle has been open for publicity.

Today castle stands in good conditions with well-restored walls and towers. One of the most interesting things in the castle - is the Inner Courtyard (Corte Ducal) which looks like in the Renaissance times.

Castello Sforzesco hosts a number of interesting museums. The Archeological Museum holds many of prehistoric artefacts as well as the items of Roman times. The Art Museum contains medieval furniture collection and the art gallery. Another interesting museum of the Castello Sforzesco – is an musical instruments museums where you can see medieval instruments.

Statue of Leonardo da Vinci in Milan

This statue in from of La Scala in Milan has been erected in 1872 to honor one of the most famous men of Renaissance. Leonardo spent of lot of years in the city and did a lot for Milan. He is known here not only as the artist but also as engineer, who, for example, developed a net of channels in the city and worked over Milan fortifications

Photo Milan Statue of Leonardo da Vinci in Milan

Sempione Park

Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) occupies the area between Castello Sforzesco and the Arch of Peace. It one of the most green places in Milan with a lot of trees, meadows and artificial ponds.

Park has been laid out in 1893 in classical English style by architect Emilio Alemagna. Few years ago, it was totally renovated.

Today it’s popular place of relaxation in the city. Also you can find a lot of sports and play grounds in the park. In the summer time, in the Sempione Park are conducting different exhibitions and the concerts.

Photo Milan Sempione Park

Park has been built over the place where once stood Spanish Fortress. Almost nothing left from the fortress but you can see the vestiges of the shafts and moats.

Another one sight in the park is a Stadium, which was built in the beginning of 19 century and called “Arena”. When I visited Milan it was closed but hope you will be more lucky.

Arch of Peace in Milan

Arch of Peace in Milan stands in front of Sempione Park. It was contrived in 1806 as Arch of Triumph to commemorate Napoleon but after his defeat in the battle of Waterloo, it stood for few decades unfinished.

In 1826 Franz I of Austria decided to finish the Arch and ordered to resume the work. Of course it was not related with Napoleon any more. Arch has been redesigned and became dedicated to the European conference of Peace, which took place in 1815.

Photo Milan Arch of Peace

It was designed by Luigi Cagnola and after his death in 1833 construction was led finished by Francesco Peverelli and Francesco Londonio.

For publicity it was opened in 1838 in presence of the Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria

Roof of Duomo in Milan

If you plan visit Milan then think about excursion to roof of Milan Duomo. It's one of the best things which you can do in the city. Find below few photos which i made during of my ascension to the roof.

Photo Roof of Duomo in Milan

St. Bartholomew in Milan

One of the most attractive things inside of Milan Duomo is statue of St. Bartholomew by Marco d'Agrate. The statue looks so naturalistic that d'Agrate even wrote - "not to be confused with Praxiteles"

The Nativity Facade

Most impressive part of Sagrada Familia is a Nativity Facade. It seems, that Gaudi was intending demonstrate by it the all plastic power that could be achieved in Sagrada Familia.

The work under the Nativity Facade started in February 1894 and lasted until the end of the 20th century first quarter.

Four bell towers of facade were completed in 1929, their pinnacles in 1932. The work under the sculptures of facade continued during the next few years.

Photo Nativity Facade

The Nativity Facade has three porticos and four bells. Porticos are dedicated to the three canonical virtues. Central portico dedicated to the Charity, the portico of the right side dedicated to the Faith and the portico from the left is dedicated to the Hope.

The central portico is also called Love. The portico designed as if it is a big cave and depicts the scenes of Birth of Jesus

Duomo Milan

The place where stands Milan Duomo was used for worships since prehistoric times. Initially here was the Celtic temple, then Roman temple dedicated to Minerva, then church Santa Tecla destroyed in 6 century and at last the church of Santa Maria Maggiore which has been demolished to clean the place for the Duomo.

The remnants of these buildings could be seen if you descent to basement of Duomo.

First stone of the Duomo has been laid in May 1386 by archbishop Antonio di Saluzzo. Initially was planned to build Duomo not from marble but from the red bricks. But later Duke of Milan Galeazzo Visconti decided to build Duomo from the marble.

Photo Milan Duomo

To facilitate marble delivery to the city Visconti revoked taxes on it. All marble importable to the Milan has been marked by “A.U.F” (ad usum fabricae) sign what meant that it’s for the Duomo and so it should be imported for free. Since then in Milan appeared proverb “a ufo” what does mean “free”.

Later another one proverb in Milan appeared – “la fabrica del Duomo”. So say in Milan when they want to say that something is lasting too long…

First architect of Duomo was Simone de Orsenigo from Campione. Next 100 years the post of chief architect of Duomo has been hold by many people including the famous Antonioni Averlino.

In 1470 construction of Duomo was headed by Dzhuniforte Solari who invited to the construction in the role of consultants Bramante and Leonardo. They advised Solari add Renaissance elements in additional to the Gothic style of Duomo.

In 1417 main altar of the Duomo has been consecrated by the Pope Martin Fifth. At that moment construction of Duomo was far away from its finishing.

Duomo was solemnly opened in 1572 by Karl Borromeo who also took active part in its construction and even choose next architect. It was Pellegrino Pellegrini who worked under the Cathedral Choirs.

Talented Pellegrini also designed the façade of Duoumo which was finished only in 1813.

In 1769 was erected steeple which height is 108,5 meters. Steeple Duomo adorned by the golden statue of Virgin designed by Perego. After that in Milan was published special edict which prohibited build constructions higher than Steeple of Duomo.

Façade of Duomo has been finished only in 19 century thanks to the Napoleon who wanted get title of Emperor here. Next century was spent to decorate by reliefs and statues. And in 19 century Duomo was first time renovated. Officially construction of Duomo has been finished only in 1906.

Duomo has been severely damaged during the World War Second and after the war was ended refurbished again.

Today Duomo it’s not only symbol of Milan, it’s one of the symbols of Italy. Entrance to the temple is free but if you are going to visit its baptistery or treasury you will be charged for a small amount of money. Also be prepared to buy a ticket if you wish to make pictures inside or elevate to its roof.