Before us rises the Castello Visconteo a testament to Milan’s rich history. This grand fortress began as a fort built by Galeazzo Visconti II between 1360 and 1370. He was then the Lord of western Milan.
The fort straddled the medieval wall. It encased the postern of Porta Giovia also known as Zobia. Gian Galeazzo his successor added barracks for the troops in 1392. A medieval defensive structure divided the two parts of the building. It was called the dead moat. They would only be united under Filippo Maria. He was the last of the Viscontis.
During Filippo Maria’s reign the Castello Visconteo became the official family residence. It was the largest castle built by the Viscontis. The square plan castle measured 180 metres in length. It was fortified with four square towers. A defensive wall delimited it. The uncultivated fields to the north-west were transformed. They became a large garden known as a zardinum or barcho.
Filippo Maria the last member of the dynasty lived a solitary existence here. He confined himself and his court within this immense abode. He died leaving no heirs. His only daughter Bianca Maria was legitimised by Emperor Sigismund in 1426. She married the military leader Francesco Sforza. Filippo Maria Visconti had relied on him to defend the Duchy from the Venetians.
In 1447 upon Filippo Maria’s death the people of Milan proclaimed the Ambrosian Republic. They partially damaged the residence of Porta Giovia. It was seen as the emblem of Ducal power. All that remains of the Visconti fortress today are the grey Serizzo stone batters. You can see them in the dead moat and on the external walls of the Rocchetta Keep and the Ducal Court.
Later in 1450 Francesco Sforza started rebuilding the castle to make it his residence. He maintained the viper as the emblem of his house which was originally Visconti’s symbol. In the spring of 1450 Francesco Sforza appointed Giovanni da Milano commissioner for the works of the new Castello. Marcaleone da Nogarolo became commissioner for provisions. Work began on July 1st according to some historians.
Five months later the two sections of the Ghirlanda walls were completed toward Porta Comasina and Porta Vercellina. They began to raise the side toward the garden. They also started the two circular based towers of Carmine and Santo Spirito. They were named for their proximity to the churches of Santa Maria del Carmine and Santo Spirito which no longer exists.
In February 1451 the drawbridges were constructed. The two squares were leveled. Later the ramparts facing the city and the garden would be built there. In October the Castellana Tower was completed also known as the Rocchetta. Foschino Attendolo became the new castellan.
In 1452 Filarete and Jacopo da Cortona were hired by the duke to build and decorate the median tower. It is still called the Filarete Tower today. In 1494 Ludovico il Moro came to power. The Castello Visconteo became home to one of Europe’s richest courts. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante were called upon to decorate the rooms. Leonardo painted plant interlacing with fruits and monochrome roots and rocks in the Sala delle Asse in 1498.
The Castello Visconteo continued to evolve through the centuries under Spanish and Austrian rule. It served as a military stronghold. Later under Napoleon parts of the castle were demolished and new designs were considered. Eventually Milan reclaimed the Castello Visconteo. It transformed it into a cultural center. Today it houses museums and libraries. It stands as a powerful symbol of Milan’s history.