Page 68 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Milan & The Lakes

66  MILAN AREA B Y AREA

1 Castello Sforzesco

Built in 1368 by Galeazzo II Visconti as a fortress, the
Sforza castle was enlarged in the 14th century by Gian
Galeazzo and then by Filippo Maria, who transformed
it into a splendid ducal palace. It was partly demolished
in 1447 during the Ambrosian Republic. Francesco
Sforza, who became lord of Milan in 1450, and his son
Lodovico il Moro made the castle the home of one of
the most magnificent courts in Renaissance Italy, graced
by Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci. Under Spanish
and Austrian domination, the Castello went into gradual . Trivulzio Tapestries
decline, as it resumed its original military function. It was The 12 tapestries designed by
saved from demolition by the architect Luca Beltrami, Bramantino, depicting the months
who from 1893 to 1904 restored it and converted it and signs of the zodiac, are
into an important museum centre. masterpieces of Italian textile art.

. Rondanini Pietà
Michelangelo’s final work,
held in the Museo della Pietà,
was altered several times
and never completed. Christ’s
arm on the left and a different
angle for Mary’s face, visible
from the right, are part of the
first version.

Porta Vercellina
Only ruins remain of the great fortified
structure that once protected the gate
of Santo Spirito.

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