Marvelous Maschio isn’t it? This imposing structure before us is the Maschio del Castello di Vigevano. Its history stretches back centuries. It began in 1345 a fortified residence for Luchino Visconti. He wanted a place to live with his family and entourage. The Maschio’s square shape with corner towers reflected the architectural traditions of Visconti castles.
To connect the new Maschio to the old Rocca Vecchia a covered road was built. This magnificent elevated walkway is 163 meters long and 7 meters wide. It spans a significant part of the city. Imagine the logistical feat of that construction.
Later Galeazzo Maria Sforza doubled the central structure. He added a double colonnade with ribbed vaults to old stables. He also started the Falconry building completed later by Ludovico il Moro. Under Ludovico the castle became a ducal residence. The courtyard was cleared. A third stable was built. The Maschio’s rear was expanded with an elegant residential wing. This wing adjoined the 14th-century covered road. It was the private quarter for Duchess Beatrice d’Este. This included the Ladies’ Loggia and a hanging garden. A new tower was built on the foundations of an older one. It was modeled after Filarete’s tower in the Sforza Castle in Milan.
Donato Bramante a renowned architect worked on the new wing. Documents from 1494-95 show Bramante’s involvement. He worked on the architecture and decoration of rooms. After Ludovico il Moro fell in 1499 the castle declined. It was used as a barracks. The Savoy family maintained the barracks function. It continued past the republican era until 1967. Restoration began in 1980 partially restoring the castle’s splendor.
The Maschio del Castello di Vigevano a testament to history and power stands before us today. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change. They’ve sheltered dukes and duchesses. They’ve echoed with the sounds of courtly life. Now it’s a place of wonder and historical significance. Let’s explore further the wonders within its walls.