After Monumental Cemetery it is time for one of the main attractions in Milan, Castello Sforzesco or Sforza’s Castle. There are two metro stations nearby and we choose the one that has fewer line changes. It is a lucky choice as the view of the castle as we approach is impressive even though we start to wonder if there is an entrance on this side.
And yes there is an entrance – yay. An impressive one at that with many defensive capabilities for arrows and guns which luckily are not manned anymore. The main courtyard is beautiful and we take some time to relax and enjoy while refilling our water bottle.
And then it is museum time. Multiple museums in fact as the castle has a variety of museums all accessible via one single entrance ticket. First is the Rondanini Pietà, the last unfinished Michelangelo sculpture. It is housed in its own room with no other artifacts on display, a sign of how important it is considered. There is also some relatively heavy security but there are no issues with taking photos, something that we were worried about.
The next museum is the Museum of Ancient Art. It is probably the largest of the combined museums but we can’t be sure as we can’t tell in most cases where one museum ends and another begins. The various stone artifacts on display are quite interesting and we stop to admire them as we continue on.
There are a few paintings also, glass or ceiling ones specifically. A different section is dedicated to more traditional paintings.
One whole room is dedicated to tapestry including the famous Milan City Banner which was displayed during all processions in medieval times.
On the second floor a full section is dedicated to armours and large stone works. Here is housed the “Portal of Medici Bank”, which was the main entrance to the so-called Banco Mediceo, the palace donated by Francesco Sforza to Cosimo de Medici.
The smaller stone works including tombs and statues are also quite impressive and we spend quite some time admiring them. However closing time is nearing so on we go as we try to at least see all museums.
At the end of the Museum of Ancient Art there is a clear separation versus the other museums starting with an empty room that looks taken directly from medieval times with beautiful brickwork and ivy growing on the walls.
And there are stairs leading to the next level and museum with some great views of the castle, from above, along the way.
The next museum is the furniture museum. It has some beautiful exhibits that we would really be happy to have in our home but unfortunately nothing like it is produced anymore.
Some emulate Oriental furniture and most have beautiful inlays and other decorations.
The highlight is the automaton, we have some trouble finding it though. We circle a few times in the room it is supposed to be before noticing it near the window. Aha…we thought it would be in the middle or near the attentive guard but it was on the other side.
There are a few rooms with paintings that we pass through relatively fast. This is mostly because of the limited time and because we like more modern art or paintings with landscapes and not so much those with people in it.
It is time for another open air connection between the museum with some nice overlooks of the busy interior courtyard and main courtyard.
Next section is the porcelain and glass section starting with some beautiful and crystal clear Murano Glass.
However we really like the porcelain figures, there are some beautiful ones in the form of different animals and sealife.
This section flows into the Museum of Musical Instruments which is really focused on string instruments. We had no idea there are soooo many of them and in sooo many shapes.
The triple one is one of the highlights for us, we can just imagine the skill needed to play it.
Some are really just barebone and we initially wonder if they are just part of a violin? But no they are real instruments that we never saw played before live.
We exit exactly at closing time and spend a bit more time exploring the castle itself. It is one of those castles that while imposing is also a work of art. You can see that lot of effort has been made to make it both scary and beautiful…an interesting combination.
There are a couple more secluded courtyards to explore but soon it is time to leave, we are quite hungry so we decide to take the metro and alight at the Milan Dome and find a place to eat nearby.
