Castello Sforzesco

This could be the 2nd beloved building in Milano after Duomo. Full of historical story and the symbol of power in the past. Some of scalptures of some greatest artists, e.g. Michaelangelo, are there also. The castle is located in front of Duomo, around 500 meters. So, you walk through via Orefici continued to via Dante. From via Dante, you can see the tower of the castle with brown brick colour.

Long time ago, this castle was becoming symbol of tyranny. When it was changed into republic, people destroyed the castle and used the stone for the townwall. Until a guy, named Francesco Sforza who is one of Milan hero, tried to restore the castle. The famous part is the design of the big cylindrical tower at each corner of the castle. The restoration has sacrificed an old church, Chiesa del Carmine. However, this castle is meaningless at that time since most of king's family did not want to stay there.

This castle has a lot of history on it. When France and Spain invided Milano, they took this place for luxury residence. Specially during Spain occupation, they rebuit a star-like shape of fortress wall for this castle. In 1706, when Autria invided, they used it for barrac. As a symbol of this tragedy, they put statue of Saint John Nepomuceno. It is still there until now. Next is Napoleon came and took this castle for the host of his soldiers. In 1800, Napoleon was lose again to Austia and the castle was used again as barrac. The complete hystory of this castle can be found in the website (http://www.milanocastello.it/ing/storia.html).