Milan · Castello and Sempione
Sforza Castle
A brick fortress built by the Visconti and rebuilt by the Sforza, now home to the city's civic museums. The courtyards are free to walk through, and one ticket opens all the museums for the day.
- 3 h
- €10
- Booking: not needed
- Castello and Sempione
Data checked on October 5, 2026
The castle began as a Visconti stronghold in the 14th century and became a ducal residence under the Sforza. Today the courtyards and towers are open to everyone, and the museums hold sculpture, armour, furniture, paintings, musical instruments and an Egyptian collection. The most famous object is Michelangelo's last work, the Rondanini Pietà.
What to look for
- Michelangelo's Rondanini Pietà
- The Museum of Ancient Art and Armoury
- The Egyptian Gallery
- The courtyards and towers of the old fortress
Opening hours
| Monday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 am–5:30 pm | last entry 4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am–5:30 pm | last entry 4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am–5:30 pm | last entry 4:30 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am–5:30 pm | last entry 4:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am–5:30 pm | last entry 4:30 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am–5:30 pm | last entry 4:30 pm |
Museums: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30, last entry at 16:30. Courtyards: every day from 7:00 to 19:30 and free. Museums are closed on Mondays, 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Leonardo's Sala delle Asse is closed for restoration.
Source: Castello Sforzesco, Comune di Milano, checked October 5, 2026
Tickets and booking
Adult ticket €10. The adult ticket covers all the castle museums, including the Egyptian Gallery. People aged 65 and over, university students and visitors from 18 to 25 pay half price.
No booking needed. Buy at the ticket office or online. The ticket is valid for the day of issue, with one entry to each section.
Getting there
Take M1 to Cairoli and walk a few minutes along Largo Cairoli to the castle gate. M2 to Cadorna or Lanza also works.
Tip
Walk in through the courtyards in the morning, do the museums while the light is flat, and finish in the park behind the castle. Under 18s enter the museums free.