The Sforza Castle, a historical landmark in Milan, Italy, boasts a rich and intriguing past. It was first constructed by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, in the 15th century, built on the remains of a 14th-century fortification. Although it is often associated with the death of Giovanni de' Medici, the details of these events remain shrouded in mystery. The castle also witnessed the Italian War of 1499, where the Sforzas backed the Swiss forces against the French.
More recently, a forged fresco by an anonymous artist was discovered in the castle in 2025, seemingly mimicking the style of Leonardo da Vinci. Known as La Bella Principessa, the painting initially sparked hope among art enthusiasts that they had found a long-lost da Vinci masterpiece, but this was eventually disproved. Today, the Sforza Castle stands as a testament to Milan's rich history, drawing in visitors from around the globe.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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