Audio Guide Details
- Duration
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Product Type
- Audio Guide
- Venues
- Sforza Castle
Photos & Highlights
Audio Guide Description
Sforza Castle witnessed all the changes Milan underwent between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Today, it’s an important museum, and Milan’s second most important building after the Duomo, the city’s impressive gothic Cathedral.
On this Sforza Castle audio guide with art historian and Context Travel expert Laura Benitti, you’ll see the ancient fortress that also served as a checkpoint, barracks and the richly decorated residence of the Sforza ducal family during the Renaissance.
The tour starts on Largo Cairoli, the city’s famous square, from where you’ll venture into the castle and have a chance to explore its wonderful courtyards and museums, the Rondanini Pieta Museum and Museum of Ancient Art. They’re filled with famous masterpieces like a mural painted by Leonardo da Vinci, and the Rondanini Pietà, the last sculpture carved by Michelangelo in his life.
In addition to hearing about the art housed within the castle, Laura will also tell you about its history. Indeed, thanks to a decision taken by Milan’s citizens, the castle was carefully restored to its former glory at the end of the 1800s. The tour wraps up in front of Parco Sempione, a manicured garden with a view of Arco della Pace (the Arch of Peace).
On this 75-minute Sforza Castle audio guide, you’ll have an opportunity to:
• Cross Piazza Castello and take in the beautiful replica of the fountain which was first built during Mussolini’s visit to Milan in 1936
• Take in the Ducal Court, also known as Piazza d’Armi (the Square of Arms) because it was once a bustling hub for army training exercises
• Spot the ancient coat of arms of the Visconti and the Sforzas families in the Cortile della Rocchetta (Rochetta courtyard)
• See the Museum of Ancient Art’s collection, including twelve Italian Renaissance tapestries commissioned in the early 1500s
• Find traces of Leonardo da Vinci within the castle and hear about his connection to it
• Take in the Ducal Court, also known as Piazza d’Armi (the Square of Arms) because it was once a bustling hub for army training exercises
• Spot the ancient coat of arms of the Visconti and the Sforzas families in the Cortile della Rocchetta (Rochetta courtyard)
• See the Museum of Ancient Art’s collection, including twelve Italian Renaissance tapestries commissioned in the early 1500s
• Find traces of Leonardo da Vinci within the castle and hear about his connection to it
By the end of this tour, you’ll have been immersed in the wonderful world of Renaissance art during Milan’s Sforzas period. You’ll have picked up on the importance of the castle’s architecture, discovered the secrets of its restoration, and heard many of its fascinating stories!
Please note: This tour doesn't include entry to the museums which is optional and the tour can be done without visiting the museums. To avoid queues on the weekends and during peak season, we suggest purchasing the admission ticket online in advance.
Meet Your Expert
Laura was born in Turin, where she studied history of art, but moved to Milan in 2002. Since her graduation, she has accumulated a long experience as an art consultant and registrar in a few museums in Turin, as well as an expertise as a local Milan guide. She speaks both English and French and she loves to meet people from all over the world, loving mostly exchanges about art, but also about traditions, day by day life, cuisine and local recipes. She loves to be both an experienced and friendly local ambassador of Milan and Como area for her travellers.
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Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our audio guides have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.
How long does each event last?
Our recorded audio guides typically run for 75 minutes.
How can I share this audio guide with friends or family?
You are welcome to listen together with friends or family, but each person listening to the guide on their own device will need to purchase the audio guide individually.
How long does my access to the audio guide last?
Once you purchase an audio guide, you are welcome to listen to it as many times as you would like. Your access to a purchased audio guide does not expire.
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Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
