Headout logo. Link to home.
HelpSell on Headout

Castello Sforzesco

Crafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.
4.2/5
1,714 travellers from around the world love this
Why head out with Headout
Castello Sforzesco
Sforza Castle courtyard with visitors, Milan, Italy.
Rondanini Pieta sculpture by Michelangelo at Sforza Castle, Milan.
Sforza Castle courtyard with statue and tower in Milan, Italy.
Sforza Castle in Milan with tourists walking near the historic brick facade.
Fountain in front of Sforza Castle, Milan, with clear blue sky.
Aerial view of Sforza Castle courtyard in Milan, surrounded by historic buildings and green spaces.
Sforza Castle brick tower and walls under a clear blue sky in Milan, Italy.
Sforza Castle courtyard with central tower in Milan, Italy, visitors exploring the historic site.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr
1 more
  • Explore Milan’s medieval Sforza Castle with reserved entry and a multilingual self-guided audio tour.

  • Walk through its red-brick fortress walls, expansive courtyards, and distinctive towers like Torre del Filarete.

  • Visit the castle museums, home to paintings, sculptures, and works connected to Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

  • See Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini, one of the artist’s final and most moving sculptures.

  • Your ticket also includes a self-guided Milan audio tour covering landmarks like the Duomo, Sempione Park, and Santa Maria delle Grazie.

  • Get deeper insights with a live guide who will offer expert commentary on not just the castle, but also Torre Branca in Parco Sempione.

More details

  • Explore Milan’s medieval Sforza Castle with reserved entry and a multilingual self-guided audio tour.

  • Walk through its red-brick fortress walls, expansive courtyards, and distinctive towers like Torre del Filarete.

  • Visit the castle museums, home to paintings, sculptures, and works connected to Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

  • See Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini, one of the artist’s final and most moving sculptures.

  • Your ticket also includes a self-guided Milan audio tour covering landmarks like the Duomo, Sempione Park, and Santa Maria delle Grazie.

  • Get deeper insights with a live guide who will offer expert commentary on not just the castle, but also Torre Branca in Parco Sempione.

from
€20
Torre Branca rising above lush trees in Milan's Sempione Park.
Torre Branca entrance with metal structure, Milan, Italy.
Parco Sempione in Milan during autumn with Arco della Pace in the background, Italy.
Milan skyline view with Torre Branca and modern skyscrapers at sunset.
Sforza Castle courtyard in Milan with tourists exploring historic architecture.
Sforza Castle courtyard with arched walkways and reflective pool, Milan, Italy.
Tour group observing the Changing of the Guard near Westminster Abbey, London.
Aerial view of Milan featuring the Duomo and cityscape.
Aerial view of Sforza Castle and lush park in Milan, Italy.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr 30 min
  • This experience combines skyline views, a castle visit, and a park walk so you cover three classic Milan perspectives in one tour.

  • Start with reserved entry to Torre Branca, Milan's steel tower and panormaic viewpoint reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower.

  • Take a relaxed walk through Parco Sempione, Milan's green lung. Then, continue your guided visit to Sforza Castle, and its museums and exhibitions.

  • Follow an English or Spanish speaking guide who uses headsets for groups over five so you catch every story and detail without straining to hear.

More details

  • This experience combines skyline views, a castle visit, and a park walk so you cover three classic Milan perspectives in one tour.

  • Start with reserved entry to Torre Branca, Milan's steel tower and panormaic viewpoint reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower.

  • Take a relaxed walk through Parco Sempione, Milan's green lung. Then, continue your guided visit to Sforza Castle, and its museums and exhibitions.

  • Follow an English or Spanish speaking guide who uses headsets for groups over five so you catch every story and detail without straining to hear.

from
€40
Sforza Castle in Milan with central tower and fountain in foreground.
Entrance of Sforza Castle in Milan with brick walls and a central archway.
Sforza Castle in Milan with tourists walking near the historic brick facade.
Sforza Castle courtyard with historic towers in Milan, Italy.
Aerial view of Sforza Castle courtyard in Milan, surrounded by historic buildings and green spaces.
Sforza Castle in Milan with central tower and surrounding gardens.
Sforza Castle courtyard with statue and tower in Milan, Italy.
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Enjoy the most cost-effective way to explore Castello Sforzesco in MIlan: explore the castle independently and on your own terms.

  • Your ticket covers entry to all castle museum sections and any exhibitions, except Leonardo's Sala delle Asse which is closed for restoration, and the prehistory and protohistory section.

  • Move between courtyards, walls, and gallery rooms at your own pace, pausing wherever you like to focus on the artworks and displays.

  • Upgrade by adding a self-guided audio tour of the castle, with commentary in 5 languages.

  • An alternative upgrade includes a guided tour of Milan's panoramic tower, Torre Brance, as well as the castle and its museums, along with Sempione Park access.

More details

  • Enjoy the most cost-effective way to explore Castello Sforzesco in MIlan: explore the castle independently and on your own terms.

  • Your ticket covers entry to all castle museum sections and any exhibitions, except Leonardo's Sala delle Asse which is closed for restoration, and the prehistory and protohistory section.

  • Move between courtyards, walls, and gallery rooms at your own pace, pausing wherever you like to focus on the artworks and displays.

  • Upgrade by adding a self-guided audio tour of the castle, with commentary in 5 languages.

  • An alternative upgrade includes a guided tour of Milan's panoramic tower, Torre Brance, as well as the castle and its museums, along with Sempione Park access.

from
€14
Sforza Castle in Milan with tourists and a sightseeing bus nearby.
Sforza Castle courtyard with visitors, Milan, Italy.
Fountain in front of Sforza Castle, Milan, with clear blue sky.
Passengers exiting City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus in Milan.
Woman enjoying audio guide on Milan Hop On Hop Off bus tour.
Sforza Castle in Milan with its iconic red brick walls and central tower.
Sforza Castle brick tower and walls under a clear blue sky in Milan, Italy.
Hop on hop off tour bus in front of Sforzesco Castle, Milan.
City Sightseeing Milan hop-on hop-off bus at a passenger stop.
Free cancellation
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Two of the four bus routes start at Sforza Castle, so the 24-hour pass effectively covers your transit to and from the city's largest museum complex.

  • Hop on and off across 4 routes and 40+ stops, covering the Duomo, La Scala, Brera district, Parco Sempione, San Siro, and the CityLife skyscrapers.

  • At Sforza Castle, a digital audio guide in five languages walks you through the seven museums, including the Sala delle Asse and Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini.

  • Use the bus pass before or after your timed castle slot — the 24-hour clock starts only when you first scan on board, not from the booking time.

More details

  • Two of the four bus routes start at Sforza Castle, so the 24-hour pass effectively covers your transit to and from the city's largest museum complex.

  • Hop on and off across 4 routes and 40+ stops, covering the Duomo, La Scala, Brera district, Parco Sempione, San Siro, and the CityLife skyscrapers.

  • At Sforza Castle, a digital audio guide in five languages walks you through the seven museums, including the Sala delle Asse and Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini.

  • Use the bus pass before or after your timed castle slot — the 24-hour clock starts only when you first scan on board, not from the booking time.

from €45
€42.75

5% off

Aerial view of Sforza Castle in Milan with surrounding park and fountain.
Santa Maria delle Grazie church in Milan, featuring Renaissance architecture.
The Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci in Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan.
Tour guide explaining a painting to tourists in a historic building.
Fountain at Piazza Castello with Sforza Castle in Milan, Italy.
Interior of Church Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan, showing ornate arches and altar.
Santa Maria delle Grazie church exterior in Milan, Italy, viewed through archway.
Milan vintage tram passing by Arco della Pace in a tree-lined street.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II interior in Milan, Italy, part of Official Milano Pass tour.
Crowd in front of Milan's Duomo Cathedral on a sunny day.
La Scala Theatre exterior in Milan, Italy, featured on a guided tour.
Arch of Peace in Milan with surrounding neoclassical buildings and clear sky.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr
  • Make the most of Milan in one go with two top sites, fast-track access, and a guide who knows every detail.

  • See The Last Supper in its original setting at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Discover Da Vinci’s technique with stories that bring the mural to life.

  • Walk through Sforza Castle, a medieval fortress filled with art, history, and grand Renaissance architecture.

More details

  • Make the most of Milan in one go with two top sites, fast-track access, and a guide who knows every detail.

  • See The Last Supper in its original setting at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Discover Da Vinci’s technique with stories that bring the mural to life.

  • Walk through Sforza Castle, a medieval fortress filled with art, history, and grand Renaissance architecture.

from
€88
Visitors exploring art inside Sforza Castle and walking outside its historic facade in Milan, Italy.
Sforza Castle courtyard with visitors, Milan, Italy.
Sforza Castle brick tower and walls under a clear blue sky in Milan, Italy.
Sforza Castle in Milan with its iconic red brick walls and central tower.
Fountain in front of Sforza Castle, Milan, with clear blue sky.
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Cover Milan's two cultural anchors with timed entry at both: the Pinacoteca di Brera and Sforza Castle sit a 10-minute walk apart in central Milan.

  • At Pinacoteca di Brera, walk in at your reserved slot and explore 38 rooms spanning 700 years of Italian art — Raphael, Caravaggio, Mantegna, and Hayez's iconic 'The Kiss'.

  • At Sforza Castle, a digital audio guide in five languages leads you through seven museums, including Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini and Leonardo's frescoed Sala delle Asse.

  • Visit both venues on the same day using the short walk between them, or split them across separate days using the entry slots you select at checkout.

More details

  • Cover Milan's two cultural anchors with timed entry at both: the Pinacoteca di Brera and Sforza Castle sit a 10-minute walk apart in central Milan.

  • At Pinacoteca di Brera, walk in at your reserved slot and explore 38 rooms spanning 700 years of Italian art — Raphael, Caravaggio, Mantegna, and Hayez's iconic 'The Kiss'.

  • At Sforza Castle, a digital audio guide in five languages leads you through seven museums, including Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini and Leonardo's frescoed Sala delle Asse.

  • Visit both venues on the same day using the short walk between them, or split them across separate days using the entry slots you select at checkout.

from €43
€40.85

5% off

Milano Duomo with YesMilano City Pass logo in foreground.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II interior in Milan, Italy, part of Official Milano Pass tour.
Crowd in front of Duomo Cathedral, Milan.
Rooftop view of Milan Cathedral with spires, part of the Official Milano Pass experience.
Visitors walking towards Sforza Castle courtyard in Milan, Italy.
Drawing of Milan Cathedral on textured wall, part of Official Milano Pass tour.
Milan's Monumental Cemetery facade, included in Official Milano Pass.
La Scala opera house facade in Milan with Italian and EU flags.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
23 hr 59 min
1 more
  • Enjoy entry to various attractions and museums across the city with this pocket-friendly 3-day City Pass.

  • Save up to 70%! With a single pass, explore top attractions like the Natural History Museum, GAM/Modern Art Gallery, Duomo, and more.

  • Navigate the city easily with 3 days of unlimited access to public transport including ATM trams, buses, and metros within Zone Mi1-Mi3.

  • The Standard Pass includes entry to Civic Museums and one premium activity, while the All-Inclusive Pass offers access to Civic Museums and all premium activities.

  • Benefit from a 100% digital pass on your phone and save significant time by not queuing to buy tickets.

More details

  • Enjoy entry to various attractions and museums across the city with this pocket-friendly 3-day City Pass.

  • Save up to 70%! With a single pass, explore top attractions like the Natural History Museum, GAM/Modern Art Gallery, Duomo, and more.

  • Navigate the city easily with 3 days of unlimited access to public transport including ATM trams, buses, and metros within Zone Mi1-Mi3.

  • The Standard Pass includes entry to Civic Museums and one premium activity, while the All-Inclusive Pass offers access to Civic Museums and all premium activities.

  • Benefit from a 100% digital pass on your phone and save significant time by not queuing to buy tickets.

from
€39.90
Visitor admiring a large painting at Brera Gallery, Milan.
Narrow cobblestone street in Brera District, Milan, lined with colorful historic buildings.
The Dead Christ Supported by the Virgin Mary and St John, painting by Pieter Bruegel at Pinacoteca di Brera.
Brera District street with colorful buildings and outdoor cafes in Milan.
Milan skyline view with Torre Branca and modern skyscrapers at sunset.
Parco Sempione in Milan during autumn with Arco della Pace in the background, Italy.
Torre Branca entrance with metal structure, Milan, Italy.
Torre Branca rising above lush trees in Milan's Sempione Park.
Sforza Castle courtyard in Milan with tourists exploring historic architecture.
Free cancellation
2 hr

Highlights:

  • Cover two guide-led Milan experiences in one booking: Brera’s art museum and district walk, plus Torre Branca and Sforza Castle via Parco Sempione.

  • Pinacoteca di Brera: Join an English-speaking guide for a small-group museum tour and continue outside on a guided Brera district walk.

  • Torre Branca & Sforza Castle: Go up Torre Branca with exclusive access, then follow your English/Spanish-speaking guide through Parco Sempione to the castle.

  • Headsets are included on both tours, so you can keep pace with the group and still catch the commentary in open, busy areas.

  • Choose the same-day plan or split across days depending on your schedule; each tour runs as its own guided experience.Additional Highlights:

  • In Brera, your guide points out landmark streets like Via Fiori Chiari and Via Fiori Scuri as part of the neighborhood walk.

  • On the Torre Branca route, you ride the elevator up to the viewing area for skyline and Parco Sempione views.

  • At Sforza Castle, you walk through courtyards and selected interior areas with a guide leading the route.

More details

Highlights:

  • Cover two guide-led Milan experiences in one booking: Brera’s art museum and district walk, plus Torre Branca and Sforza Castle via Parco Sempione.

  • Pinacoteca di Brera: Join an English-speaking guide for a small-group museum tour and continue outside on a guided Brera district walk.

  • Torre Branca & Sforza Castle: Go up Torre Branca with exclusive access, then follow your English/Spanish-speaking guide through Parco Sempione to the castle.

  • Headsets are included on both tours, so you can keep pace with the group and still catch the commentary in open, busy areas.

  • Choose the same-day plan or split across days depending on your schedule; each tour runs as its own guided experience.Additional Highlights:

  • In Brera, your guide points out landmark streets like Via Fiori Chiari and Via Fiori Scuri as part of the neighborhood walk.

  • On the Torre Branca route, you ride the elevator up to the viewing area for skyline and Parco Sempione views.

  • At Sforza Castle, you walk through courtyards and selected interior areas with a guide leading the route.

from €104.90
€94.41

10% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and art of the castle. Tours often cover key highlights like the Sala delle Asse and other significant artworks.

Save the Rondanini Pietà for last. Michelangelo's final, unfinished sculpture sits in a quiet room you can easily blow past early in the visit. Treat it as the closing note — the emotional payoff hits harder after you've walked through the armoury, the tapestries, and the Sforza family's frescoes.

Exit through the rear gate into Parco Sempione. The back gate leads you out into one of the city's largest parks, with the Arco della Pace at the far end and Torre Branca off to the side.

Time your visit for the free-entry windows if you're flexible. Museum admission is free for under-18s, on the first and third Tuesday of the month after 2 pm, and on the first Sunday of the month — useful to know, though expect heavier crowds during those slots.

About Sforza Castle

Castello Sforzesco, one of Europe's largest fortresses, has transformed over the centuries from a defensive stronghold and ducal residence to a cultural hub in Milan. Its expansive grounds feature grand courtyards, towering walls, and historic towers, reflecting its medieval origins dating back to the 14th century. Renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo left their mark here, with treasures like da Vinci's Sala delle Asse frescoes and Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini. Today, the castle houses Milano's Municipal Museums, showcasing a rich tapestry of art, history, and ancient artifacts from across the ages.


AddressPiazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Also known asCastle Sforza
Year opened1360
Founded byFrancesco I Sforza
Visitors per year500000
Expected wait time - Standard1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Michelangelo's was still chiseling his final sculpture, the unfinished Rondanini Pietà, six days before his death in 1564.

Napoleon ordered the outer ring of defensive ravelins and walls demolished in the early 1800s to open up the area — the resulting cleared land is what became Parco Sempione, which is why the park and castle flow into each other so naturally today.

Leonardo da Vinci painted the ceiling of the Sala delle Asse around 1498 as an illusion of intertwining mulberry trees with golden ropes: a nod to Ludovico Sforza's nickname "il Moro" (mulberry in Italian is moro).

The castle's main entrance tower, the Torre del Filarete, is actually a 1905 reconstruction — the original exploded in 1521 when lightning struck the gunpowder magazine stored inside, leveling the tower and killing dozens.

Why visit Sforza Castle?

Historical significance

It's a 15th-century fortress with a rich history, once home to Milanese dukes and visited by prominent historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, who worked on its decoration.

Architectural beauty

The castle itself is a great example of medieval architecture, with impressive towers, courtyards, and well-preserved walls that give a glimpse into Milan's past.

Art and culture

It houses several museums and galleries, including the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, which displays masterpieces by artists such as Mantegna, Tintoretto, and Canaletto. There are also collections of ancient art, musical instruments, and decorative arts.

da Vinci's legacy

Visitors can see Leonardo da Vinci's famous frescoed hall, Sala delle Asse, and learn about his contributions to the castle's artistic heritage.

Proximity to Sempione Park

Located near Sempione Park, it offers a picturesque setting for leisurely walks and relaxation amidst historical surroundings. Visitors often also inlude a visit to Torre Branca inside the park, a steel tower offering panoramic views of Milan.

Plan your visit

Browse by themes

What our guests say

Gareth J

United Kingdom
Group
Apr 2026
The tour was relaxed. Not too fast. When the bus was busy with people pushing in to the queue we waited for 2nd bus and always got a seat. The routes were great. Lots of places to see. One issue was the cramming to get on. But customers need to learn how to queue.

Milan Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour & Sforza Castle with Rondanini's Pieta Audio Guide

Christine R

Germany
Couple
Mar 2026

+1 more

Great tour with helpful information about the highlights along the blue route. The yellow route had very few explanations—there could be more. Overall, the music was much too loud compared to the spoken segments.

Milan Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour & Sforza Castle with Rondanini's Pieta Audio Guide

Daphne A

Netherlands
Couple
Dec 2025
To say it in Only one word, amazing! Astonishing paintings. Nice café at the museum. we will absolutely return in April to see the collection again.

Combo: Pinacoteca di Brera + Sforza Castle Entry Tickets with Audio Guide

Anna V

Italy
Group
Nov 2025
Well-organized staff, well-made entrance shifts .In the picture gallery , despite the important event , the rooms were not overcrowded

Combo: Pinacoteca di Brera + Sforza Castle Entry Tickets with Audio Guide

Bruce S

United States
Couple
Last week
It is very clear that the guide is extremely knowledgeable but also has great pride in the level of artistry that has been produced by the great Italian artists of her nation. I had visited the Brera several times in the past but never with a guide. The guided tour provides much education and art enrichment that you could not obtain on your own. The guided tour provides a deeper understanding of the artist and the times within they existed. It is well worth your time and there is also an added bonus of a quick neighborhood tour of the Brera.

Exclusive Milan Journey: Torre Branca & Sforza Castle Guided Tour with Pinacoteca di Brera Experience

Mario S

Couple
2 weeks ago
We really loved the tour; we hadn’t been to Torre Branca before, and it was a unique experience. The guide was friendly and funny, and gave us a great explanation of everything we visited.

Tickets to Sforza Castle & Rondanini's Pieta

Nearby cities to explore

How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

We curate the best ways to experience

We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

We partner with the best

Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.

All the best options, in one place

Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.

Book with complete peace of mind

Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.

1/4

Slide 1 of 4
We curate the best ways to experience
We partner with the best
All the best options, in one place
Book with complete peace of mind
Download app section background

We've served 51 million+ guests and we are here for you

51 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime