The Sforza Castle in Milan - the fortress of the Duke

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Explore one of the biggest military buildings in Europe - find out more on http://www.leonardoamilano.org/english

Transcript:

Originally built in the XIV century as a military fortress, it became the Residence of the Duke during the Renaissance, when it was enriched and decorated in order to show the power of the duke well beyond its original military function.

Let's have a look at the majestic fortress as it appears today. The first thing you notice is the impressive central tower. This tower was originally designed by the great Renaissance architect Filarete, but its fate was signed by a lightning which set fire to the explosives amassed in the tower. The tower exploded, and it wasn't rebuilt till the end of the XIX century, when the architect Luca Beltrami based his reconstruction on a surviving Filarete drawing.

As you enter the castle, you'll find yourself in the great central courtyard, surrounded by walls, where you can easily imagine to be in the Renaissance. Go further into the castle through the second gate, and you can buy the tickets to visit the various museums hosted in the Castle. They are definitely worth a visit! I will point out only a few highlights here, but you'll find many more by yourself. The first is the Sala delle Asse, frescoed by Leonardo da Vinci with an intricate decoration of trees and leaves, as if to create a virtual garden. Leonardo put lots of symbols here, like its signature knot. The fresco is currently being restored, and we can't wait to see it in its original splendour. Another great artwork hosted in the Castle is the Pieta' Rondanini by Michelangelo, the last work of the great Renaissance master, an unfinished sculpture which is striking in its modernity, like a Modigliani sculpture.

Don't miss the Sala della Balla, called after a Renaissance ball game which was played here. In this hall you can find twelve amazing giant tapestries designed by the Renaissance artist Bramantino, one for each month of the year, showing the activities that characterize each month. You will love the colours and richness of details of this textile masterworks!

Finally, have a look the furniture museum, on the first floor. It exhibits the evolution of the Milanese furniture design from the Middle age to the contemporary. You will discover how the well known contemporary interior design has ancient roots.

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