The castle is the result of a 
lot of works and transformations starting
from 1300. The little rural castle was enlarged progressively on
the foundation and structure of the pre-existing walled city. It
was built in two important stages, under the Visconti and Sforza
families, and both Donato Bramante and Leonardo Da vinci contributed to
give the castle its magnificent aspect we can still admire.
1341- Luchino Visconti, who was the
podesta of Vigevano and Duke of Milan, started the building of
the "Rocca Vecchia".
1345- The present "Maschio" appeared and, later on, the "Strada Coperta" ("roofed road") was built.
1472- Galeazzo Maria Sforza started new works of extension of the castle.
1492- Ludovico Maria Sforza (1451-1508),
known as "il Moro" (the Moor)
promoted important public works and, thanks to the artisitc
contribution of Donato Bramante and Leonardo Da Vinci, he
conceived the Ducal 
Square and improved the castle. In
particular, the "Bramante" tower was completed such as
the stables and the Falconry, while the "Loggia delle Dame"was erected.
1966- A long period of gradual decline followed the Sforza dynasty, and the castle was used as army barracks for more than three centuries. However, in 1966 soldiers left the castle definitivley.
1970- Restoration works started.
1997- The castle was open to public and attracted a lot of tourists.
Page created by: Irene M.B., Sabrina S., Martina C., Matteo N. (a photo)