One of Europe’s largest fortified complex, the Castle of Vigevano owes its present shape to two powerful families, who owned it in the past : Visconti and Sforza.
an aerial view of Vigevano Castle
Before the castle came to the hands of Visconti it was several defence buildings from 7th -10th centuries. Luchino Visconti transformed it ito an elegant residence designed by Lombardian artists, such as Bramante, whos name bears the highest point in the town, the tower, which origins date back to 12th century.
Visconti family commissioned also ‘Maschio’ the palace building with defencefeatures, and unique in Europe ‘Strada Coperta‘. This name can be translated as covered road, or closed roof road, and it is 167 meters long and seven wide tunnel connecting the Old Fortress and the ‘Palazzo delle Dame’ ( another work of Donato Bramante built around 1490 ) .
‘Strada Coperta’ was built in 1347 by Luchino Visconti ruler of Milan to allow to enter and exit the castle without being seen by the inhabitants of the village, and escape in case of imminent danger.
The second stage of construction the castle underwent under rule of Sforza family. It is thought that some of works were contribution of Leonardo Da Vinci, who for some time was the painter at the court of Lodovico il Moro in Milan.
Sforza family enlarged and renovated most of the buildings, particulary the stables, Falconeria for breeding falcon prey and the ‘Loggia delle Dame’.
After the decline of Sforza power in 1535 the castle became the site of different military troops, Spanish, Austrian and Italians, who kept the property until 1968.
Opening hours
Tue-Fri 10.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00
Sat,Sun and holidays 10.00 – 13.00 and 15.00 – 18.00.
Mon closed
INFOPOINT CASTELLO
P.zza Ducale,
27029 Vigevano ( PV )
Tel. +39.0381.691636
[ photo courtesy of Night Flier]
