Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Civiche Raccolta d'Arte Antica
Housed in the ducal apartments, the Museum of Ancient Art is a stellar collection.
From paleo-Christian frescoes to the fine equestrian tomb of Bernarbò Visconti
and sculpted reliefs depicting Milan's triumph over Barbarossa, the artworks tell
the turbulent story of the birth of Italy's first city
comune,
murderous dynastic and
regional ambitions, and lavish artistic patronage. Da Vinci had a hand in the in-
terior decor, which sports coats of arms, murals and the Gonfalcon of the King of
Spain who married here in 1555.
Pinacoteca e Raccolte d'Arte
On the 1st floor the Furniture Museum and castle Art Gallery blend seamlessly,
leading you from ducal wardrobes and writing desks through to a blockbuster col-
lection of Lombard Gothic art. Among the masterpieces are Andrea Mantegna's
Trivulzio Madonna,
Vincenzo Foppa's
St Sebastian
and Bramantino's
Noli me
tangere
(Touch me not).
Top Tips
›
Admission to the castle museums is free Friday (2pm to 5.30pm).
›
Take a guided tour around the castle walls for a great overview of the complex, the
park and even the distant Duomo.
›
If you're short on time, the best collection is the Civiche Raccolte d'Arte Antica (Mu-
seum of Ancient Art), which takes you through the frescoed ducal apartments.
Take a Break
If the weather's nice have a picnic in the park or a drink on the terrace of Bar Bianco
(
Click here
).
For something more substantial, consider a plate of
crudo
at Pescheria da Claudio
(
Click here
); or, in the evening, stroll across the park for
aperitivo
at Living (
Click here
)
.
