I don't know that I have ever encountered a fountain with quite the legend of the Fontana Castello…read moreSforzesco (the fountain of the Castle Sforza). Dismantled in 1960 for the red line subway, it was warehoused for several years. The rumor at the time was that it had been stolen by Bettino Craxi, the leader of the Italian Socialist Party from 1976 to 1993 and Prime Minister of Italy from 1983 to 1987. But no, it was just being kept safe and in 2000, it was restored and returned to function. And then, updated and rebuilt again in 2014. Looking vaguely like a wedding cake, it was always appreciated by the Milanese people because this is a city with not too many fountains. This one is quite lovely and especially so with the Filarete tower of the Sforza Castle. [Review 10686 overall, 454 of 2019.]

The first time I came here to MY castle was 25 years ago. No signage and I remember it much smaller…read morethan this time around. That first time I was so disappointed and although the art work inside was stunning it seemed it was warehoused more than exhibited Im including the basement Pieta di Rondanini by Michelangelo, unguarded and which I scandalously dared to touch because I could. Wiki: The Rondanini Pietà is a marble sculpture that Michelangelo worked on from 1552 until the last days of his life, in 1564. Several sources indicate that there were actually three versions, with this one being the last.[The name Rondanini refers to the fact that the sculpture stood for centuries in the courtyard at the Palazzo Rondanini in Rome.] it stands in a room of its own to the left of the main entry. Do not miss it. Cut to July 2019 where the exhibits are and I am amazed at the beautiful way in which the Sforza story is told. How we were patrons to two of the greatest artists in history and reigned a cultural and civic reign - to the detriment of our defenses and this was short lived. Must see the Sala selle Asse by Da Vinci made for Ludovico il Moro (a nickname for him meaning mulberry) of a beautiful room of mulberry trees. This media presentation is the highlight for me. Pietro Marani (member of the scientific committee for the current restoration), says, about the room: "one is amazed by its spectacular vaulted ceiling, decorated with branches and knots all tangled together: a long rope, weaving together all these branches, is entwined with vegetal elements...". According to another member of the scientific committee for the current restoration, Maria Teresa Fiorio, "a visitor feels a strong emotion in front of this magnificent example of painted wall decoration by da Vinci Do exit through the Gift Shop and find some great trinkets and books to take back.

We were so excited to go. I even called ahead of time to make a reservation for the tour and I find…read moreout that they don't actually organize English speaking tours. If you want to have a tour, you have to organize a group of people to go with you by yourself. They don't even take names of English speakers that want to take the tour, to put them all together in a group. You are essentially written off by the secretary and they don't care to find a solution to the problem. Very disappointing.