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The Castle of Vigevano is seamlessly connected to Piazza Ducale, which serves as its majestic entrance hall. It can be considered a small city within the city, being one of the largest fortified complexes in Europe by size. The original nucleus dates back to the Lombard era(7th–10th century), while its transformation into a noble residence is attributed to the Visconti—particularly Luchino Visconti—and later to the Sforza family, especially Ludovico il Moro. In recent decades, it has undergone significant restoration work, returning much of the structure to the city. Today, it houses the municipal library, the Palio of the City of Vigevano, and hosts musical and cultural events throughout the year. It also accommodates the permanent exhibitions of the Vigevano Footwear Museum and the Leonardiana Museum.
A majestic building featuring a beautiful wooden truss structure, the Cavallerizza is part of the Sforza Castle complex, although it was only built in 1837 on the site of the demolished Rocca Vecchia. Designed by engineer Ludovico Inverardi, commissioner of the Military Engineering Corps, the project aimed to provide a covered riding arena for the horses housed in the castle since 1811. Next to the current Cavallerizza—now renovated and used for events and exhibitions—stood a similar structure that collapsed in the 1960s due to heavy snowfall. A public garden now occupies its place.
A flexible arena capable of hosting up to 5,000 spectators, with a floor that can be set up for basketball, volleyball, five-a-side football, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, cheerleading, table tennis, martial arts, sport dancing, and more. Organizing a sporting event—whether of international, national, or local interest—now requires the use of next-generation sports facilities. Thanks to its great versatility, Arena Vigevano offers spaces and structures that can meet the diverse expectations of any event organizer.
“A symphony on four sides,” as described by the great maestro Arturo Toscanini. Designed by Bramante with contributions from Leonardo da Vinci, Piazza Ducale serves as the grand entrance to the imposing Castle. This unified rectangular architectural space measures 134 by 48 meters and is surrounded on three sides by arcaded porticoes supported by 84 columns, each adorned with uniquely carved capitals. Arched windows open on the main floor, while round oculi illuminate the upper level. Beneath the porticoes are shops and cafés, once home to wool drapery workshops. The majestic Baroque façade of the Cathedral, with its concave shape embracing the square, forms the eastern backdrop. Behind the southern side rises the imposing Castle Tower.
Also part of the Sforza Castle complex, the Strada Coperta—also known as the Strada Serrata or Strada Pensile—is a structure of monumental proportions: it is 167 meters long and 7 meters wide, overcoming a 10-meter height difference between the castle keep and the site where the old Rocca Vecchia once stood, a fortification overlooking the countryside at the edge of the city walls. Built in 1347 by Luchino Visconti, it allowed the lords of Milan to enter and exit the castle unseen by the townspeople and to escape in times of danger. This imposing construction has remained intact in its colossal form: even military tanks passed through it up until the mid-1960s without causing any damage. Its construction came at a cost for the people of Vigevano, as several homes in the town had to be demolished.
These are two impressive and evocative connecting structures that, in succession, lead from the immediate vicinity of Piazza Ducale along elevated walkways to the ancient moat of the Castle Keep and the Cavallerizza area. Fully accessible thanks to a recent restoration, they are divided into two large sections that host exhibitions and high-profile events throughout the year. The passage, especially in its second part, allows visitors to admire the historical and functional layers: it served as a horse stable from the 18th century and as a workspace for the craftsmen of the Sforza ducal court(the room once used as an icehouse is still visible).
It represents the symbol of Vigevano, as it stands at the highest point of the city. It was built in several stages, starting in 1198 and completed at the end of the 15th century by Bramante. With its characteristic “Filarete-style” tiered structure, the tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view from its battlements over the square, the castle, and the entire city.
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