Castello Sforzesco, Milan: Hours, Address, Castello Sforzesco Reviews: 4.5/5
Castello Sforzesco
Castello Sforzesco
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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from $14.51
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Top ways to experience Castello Sforzesco
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centro Storico
The pulsating core of Milan is in Centro. Duomo Square is enclosed by the gothic cathedral, the historic icon of Milan. However, shopping is what draws most crowds to this area. The classy and versatile Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with luxury boutiques and high quality restaurants will turn any shopping or lunch expedition into a royal experience. Head to the rooftop of the flagship La Rinascente to enjoy the view of the animated square with a panorama of the Duomo. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the street for high-end shopping. Brands of all kinds and street artists attract the attention of all visitors; while at Via Santa Radegonda 16, Luini Panzerotti is a much appreciated street food shop providing unimaginable culinary experiences. If shopping takes its toll on you, consider visiting Castello Sforzesco, a 15th century castle housing several museums. Those looking to relax can go to Parco Sempione, where nature provides respite from the energy of this dynamic and international city.
How to get there
- Lanza • 4 min walk
- Cadorna • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
7,620 within 3 miles

La Tartina
746
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Cafe • Contemporary

Chiosco al Politico
316
0.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Italian • Brew Pub

CHIOSCO SQUADRE CALCIO
417
0.1 mi$ • Italian • Bar • Fast Food

Casa Del Pane
189
0.3 mi$ • Street Food • Vegetarian Friendly

Nero 9
648
0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Steakhouse • Barbecue

ATMosfera
316
0.2 mi$$$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Taglieri e Bicchieri
477
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Brew Pub • Mediterranean

Gelato Fatto Con Amore
158
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Tartufotto
1,307
0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European

Ammu Cannoli Espressi Siciliani
727
0.3 mi$ • Dessert • Italian • Cafe
Attractions
1,609 within 6 miles

Museum of Ancient Art
67
73 ftArt Museums

Musei del Castello Sforzesco
114
76 ftSpeciality Museums

Monumento a San Giovanni Nepomuceno
22
125 ftMonuments & Statues

Museo Pietà Rondanini
282
0.1 miArt Museums

Fontana di Piazza Castello
483
0.1 miFountains

Museum of Decorative Arts
66
0.1 miArt Museums

Museum of Musical Instruments
46
0.1 miSpeciality Museums

Biblioteca d'Arte
3
464 ftLibraries

Civico Museo Archeologico Sezioni Preistorica ed Egizia
32
0.1 miHistory Museums

Tram Ristorante ATMosfera
645
0.2 miScenic Railroads
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
13,337 reviews
Excellent
7,508
Very good
4,713
Average
963
Poor
103
Terrible
51
Jeanne maria Griffin
Rome, Italy36 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
The castle complex with its multiple courtyards was breathtaking in its scope and majesty. I particularly liked the old Visconti ruins adjacent to the main structure. I visited the enormous museum with its frescos and most complete collection of armour and weaponry I have ever seen. I would give it five stars had I not had an encounter with a security guard who was quite rude to me and embarrassed me. He was a foreigner who clearly didn't understabd how to treat a paying customer. But it is an amazing historical monument in the bustling modern city of Milan.
Written December 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nik R
Varna, Bulgaria6,679 contributions
Mar 2019
The Sforza Castle is the other must-see place in Milan beside the Duomo. It is huge and houses 9 of Milan's art museums, that's why go there early and spare at least 3-4 hours. Moreover, the beautiful Parco Sempione is just next to the castle and there you can have a nice relaxing stroll after getting "overwhelmed" by art.
Beside other artists, Leonardo da Vinci and Donato Bramante were also hired to decorate the castle and they frescoed several rooms and halls. Built in the 15th century, the castle was damaged and parts of it were demolished several times. During the Spanish Occupation, the castle was turned into barracks and remained as such until and during the Austrian Occupation when the Ducal chapel was used as a stable and the valuable frescoes in the rooms were covered with plaster. Napoleon started to destroy the fortification in order to clear the grounds for building the Bonaparte Forum. And finally, during the WWII, it was heavily damaged by an allied bombing.
The visit to the Castle is free and it is open every day but the museums are closed on Mondays. It is definitely worth a visit.
Beside other artists, Leonardo da Vinci and Donato Bramante were also hired to decorate the castle and they frescoed several rooms and halls. Built in the 15th century, the castle was damaged and parts of it were demolished several times. During the Spanish Occupation, the castle was turned into barracks and remained as such until and during the Austrian Occupation when the Ducal chapel was used as a stable and the valuable frescoes in the rooms were covered with plaster. Napoleon started to destroy the fortification in order to clear the grounds for building the Bonaparte Forum. And finally, during the WWII, it was heavily damaged by an allied bombing.
The visit to the Castle is free and it is open every day but the museums are closed on Mondays. It is definitely worth a visit.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dirk W
Antwerp, Belgium174 contributions
Oct 2020
Castello Sforzesco, a castle on the outskirts of the city that you can visit for free. The entrance for the museums present can of course be paid, but we just don't feel like it. Instead, we take a healthy walk in the adjacent park, where we also encounter a beautiful "Arc de Triomphe" on the other side.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vanessa S
Porto Alegre, RS25 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The castle has a lot of museums inside, and many of the pieces on display are beautiful. The problem is that the museums are very disorganized, and that destroyed the experience for me. First, I had to stand in two lines to get a ticket. Then, in the first three rooms there were lines to get in as well! The reason for this was that everyone had to sit and watch a video in one of the rooms, and the staff would only let one small group at a time. It took so long to get through the first museum, and when it was finally done the next group came in. Then I had to listen to the loud audio all over again while I was trying to read information about the pieces I was seeing. At this point I had been inside the museum for 1 hour and a half and I was finally done with the lines; I just wanted to appreciate what was on display. The next museums were chaotic as well. The signaling is bad and I had to keep asking where the next museums were. Another thing that bothered me is the fact that sometimes the pieces don't follow a timeline or anything close to that. In one room you are seeing pieces from the 20s, and in the next there are artifacts from the year 1000. It's impossible to find out what you would like to see in advance and not waste time there. When I gave up the museums I went to see the Michelangelo exhibition only to find out that it wasn't worth it at all. I really wish I had spend my precious time in Milan elsewhere.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Meowistan
Budapest, Hungary17 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
The castle can be easily found and has a nice garden. The ticket office is easy to found, but the waiting time is long, mainly due to COVID-19 restrictions. There is a student discount for all the exhibitions. The whole building with it’s museums can be visited within 2-3 hours and offers many different exhibitions, my favourite one was the one of the musical instuments! However the ‘Sala delle Asse’, a room decorated by Leonardo da Vinci, was under reconstruction and it wasn’t written anywhere, so the visitirs would discover it only in front of the room. Bring also good shoes, because there are many stairs and the different collections can be found in different parts of the building.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Philip T
6 contributions
Feb 2021
As imposing as it is from the outside, the museums it contains make it even more worth visiting. The collections cover everything from armaments to musical instruments, primarily of the Renaissance through Baroque periods. Don't miss it. The actual date of my visit was November 2016, the autumn weather in the area is variable but my stay in the city was generally pleasant overall.
Written January 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ryan S
Cardiff, UK164 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
A fascinating castle located in Milans biggest and most well-known park (parco sempione). This is a must see attraction when visiting Milan. Located about a 10 minute walk from the cathedral. The walls of the castle are very epic and you cannot miss to walk around the castle to see all of this structural masterpiece. To walk around inside the grounds of the is free. The only thing you have to pay for is the museums that are located inside the castle grounds. I think this is the third best attraction in milan and i highly recommend.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
blairkk25
New Jersey2,863 contributions
Dec 2019
I visited the Castello Sforzesco several times during my visit to Milan in late December 2019 and early January 2020. Like Piazza del Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco is like another heart of Milan. I started out by visiting the Michaelangelo Pieta. It was not busy at all. I recommend starting here because the ticket you buy here also covers the other museum. It will save you from having to wait in a long line to buy your ticket. After walking around the courtyard where there are many photo opportunities. I visited the second museum. Even though I already had a ticket, I still had to wait in a line to get in. The main attraction is the Leonardo da Vinci Salle della Asse. They present a multimedia show in Italian for about 20 minutes. Since I was tired, I rushed through the rest of the museum. One end of the castle leads to a really nice fountain and via Dante. The other end leads to Parco Sempione. I found the Castello Sforzesco to be a really nice place to walk around and I enjoyed my visits there.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
4historyandculture
Charlotte, NC1,495 contributions
Jul 2021
Our small tour group stopped near the castle and we had two hours to explore this beautiful medieval fortress.
We were impressed with the display posters of celebrating Leonardo d’Vinci’s 500th birthday and his inventions. I didn’t know he was the first to design the pergola.
The grounds are well kept and clean. There was a group of musicians practicing for a concert at the stage.
Just outside there is a beautiful water fountain.
The public bathrooms were well maintained.
We were impressed with the display posters of celebrating Leonardo d’Vinci’s 500th birthday and his inventions. I didn’t know he was the first to design the pergola.
The grounds are well kept and clean. There was a group of musicians practicing for a concert at the stage.
Just outside there is a beautiful water fountain.
The public bathrooms were well maintained.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
🥰
Written August 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ARose
Charlotte, NC912 contributions
Dec 2019
This does not get as much attention as the Last Supper or the Duomo, but should be top of the list for the sights as well. Book an organized tour through the castle or on a walking tour through the city that will take you by. There are so many details that are amazing that went into the design and building of this castle. The grounds are free to wander and the museum is paid. The museum covers a lot of ground and there is so much to see, including additional Da Vinci artwork exhibits.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stefano Barison
Montegrotto Terme, Italy
Il biglietto è meglio comprarlo online oppure si può comprarlo anche lì? Non vorrei fare code infinite. Consigli?
Grazie
michel camille P
Borgomanero, Italy
Faut il pré réserver notre visite individuelle de 3 seniors vendredi 21 août à partir de 10 h30 . Merci Pion
alticlo
Saumur, France559 contributions
Bsr
Pour le château et alentours non
Mais les musées obligatoires ...
Comme tous les autres lieux ou presque à Milan
Et regardez sur le site de chaque visite pour être sûr des horaires et ouvertures ...
Tb belle visite
Michele D
Besozzo, Italy
Parcheggio privato più vicino??grazie
Miele Michele
Lioni, Italy62 contributions
Buongiorno
Ero senza macchina !!
Ralphy
North Chicago, IL7 contributions
Please share castle pictures and does and don’ts
Garfield_the_Tourist
London, UK148 contributions
Hi, the castle is large site of buildings and parks. Leonardo's special, secret routes and of course the archeo museum are good options for a visit (these are permanent exhibitions i guess) - if you are enthusiast of Italian history . There are usually some other special exhibition - it depends on actual events if they are worth visiting them. I have no idea .if there are some donts ..maybe get this highlight by public transfer, a traffic arround this site is a bit complicated for cars.
Avendo già comprato il biglietto mi chiedevo una cosa: È necessario stamparlo o basta presentare il pdf dallo smartphone?
Flavio
Asti, Italy229 contributions
Scusi il ritardo nella risposta. Penso basti la visualizzazione.
Adam S
28 contributions
Hi @Mairwen 1 Do you know what the tour is called or where it can be booked?
Lostagainadvisor
Houston, TX746 contributions
We just went early in the morning and purchased our at the ticket office. It is best to go early. It starts getting crowded around midday
Kuznetsova Alena
St. Petersburg, Russia
Здравствуйте! А вход на территорию тоже закрывается с закрытием музея?
Ольга М
Minsk, Belarus313 contributions
Здравствуйте! К сожалению :( не знаю, были там днем
Nuala_V
158 contributions
Buongiorno,
Volevo chiedere se l'ingresso al castello è gratuito, è cosa si può visitare gratuitamente del castello stesso!
Mentre l'ingresso a pagamento cosa permette di vedere? Per chi l'ha già visto cosa consigliate? Grazie
irina v
400 contributions
L'ingresso all'interno è a pagamento, noi abbiamo girato solo fuori, ma mi consigliarono o la sala egiziana.
precipitevolissim
12 contributions
E' possibile raggiungere il castello sforzesco con mezzi propri o nella zona ci sono limitazioni al traffico (targe alterne, ztl etc.)? Ci sono parcheggi nei pressi in cui lasciare l'auto? Grazie
Matteo O
447 contributions
Entra in area C, le consiglio di andare sul comune di Milano per vedere le limitazioni. Quello che so è che ha l’esenzione se ha la macchina ibrida se no paga 5 euro. I parcheggi ci sono ma cari. L’ideale è andare con i mezzi pubblici.
Richele D
Saint Paul, MN15 contributions
I will be in Milan during Ferragosto. Is Castello Sforzesco open that week? What are the hours? Grazie mille!
rebeljenn
Ruislip, UK891 contributions
The official website should tell you for sure but I would say it probably is open. You can spend a day here as there’s a lot to see and make sure you don’t miss the Michelangelo as I believe it closes earlier. I think it’s open until 6:00 in the summer. Google “Jenikya Sforza” to see my blog with tips.
Frequently Asked Questions about Castello Sforzesco
- Castello Sforzesco is open:
- Tue - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Castello Sforzesco admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $14.47, while a popular guided tour starts around $3.21 per person. See all 103 Castello Sforzesco tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Castello Sforzesco can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 103 Castello Sforzesco tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Castello Sforzesco:
- Sforza Castle Entry Ticket with Audio Guided Tour (From $14.47)
- Sforza Castle and Museum Guided Tour (From $43.59)
- Best of Milan Experience Including Da Vinci's The Last Supper and Milan Duomo (From $117.92)
- Milan City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From $25.73)
- Milan by night walking experience (From $47.17)
- Hotels near Castello Sforzesco:
- (0.16 mi) Castello Guest House
- (0.23 mi) UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano
- (0.35 mi) Hotel Milano Castello
- (0.34 mi) Antica Locanda dei Mercanti
- (0.18 mi) Bonaparte Suites
- Restaurants near Castello Sforzesco:
- (0.01 mi) Calicantus Sforzesco
- (0.13 mi) Chiosco al Politico
- (0.13 mi) CHIOSCO SQUADRE CALCIO
- (0.16 mi) ATMosfera
- (0.28 mi) La Tartina