Book your Easter in Milan: discover the Castello Sforzesco and book your luxury stay in Melegnano or Linate with AN Hotels
In Italy, Easter is a festivity steeped in tradition and warmth, giving us the opportunity to celebrate this religious holiday in the company of our loved ones and family, in a magical and vibrant setting. Milan, the city of fashion and design, is transformed during this special period, offering unique experiences and extraordinary spectacles. And what better way than to immerse yourself in this enchanted atmosphere by booking a stay at AN Hotels, which boast two elegant four-star properties in Melegnano and Linate, the latter near Milan International Airport. With 120 luxury rooms at AN Hotel Melegnano and 150 rooms in our AN Park Hotel Linate, extreme comfort and impeccable service await us to make our stay memorable. And your Easter with the family will truly be a relaxing one, outside the city chaos but just a few minutes from Milan’s nightlife and main attractions.
Milan at Easter is coloured with magic
During the Easter period, Milan dresses up for the festivities, illuminating the streets with bright colours and pervaded by mouth-watering aromas that lead us to discover local traditions. The AN Hotels represent the beating heart of these celebrations, and are in a privileged position outside the hustle and bustle to fully appreciate the enchantment of Easter in Milan.
Easter in milan is celebrated with the family, discovering artisanal easter eggs from the city’s best pastry shops. Discover easter in milan with an hotels
Imagine staying in sophisticated and cosy environments, where comfort is at home and every detail is taken care of with passion. At the AN Hotels you can enjoy tailor-made services for families wishing to spend an unforgettable Easter in Milan, including special packages designed for children and exclusive events that will make your stay a unique experience.
The stories of our guests, who have experienced Easter at AN Hotels in the past, speak of authentic emotions and unforgettable moments. They are the testimonies of those who appreciated not only the comfort of the designer rooms, but also the proximity to special events and unique attractions in the hotels’ surroundings.
Castello Sforzesco: the treasure to discover at your Easter in Milan
The Castello Sforzesco is one of Milan’s gems, not the only one for sure, but one of the most dazzling. It is an imposing medieval fortress that enchants visitors with its majesty and its history of ancient battles. Children love the Middle Ages because it evokes sumptuous costumes, epic battles and romantic love affairs between knights and ladies. During Easter, the Castello Sforzesco comes alive with cultural events and exhibitions offering an immersion in the city’s tradition and art. That’s why a visit to the Castello Sforzesco is an unmissable experience for those staying at AN Hotels during the Easter holidays.
The Castello Sforzesco is one of Milan’s best-loved and most recognisable symbols, on a par with the famous Duomo. This extraordinary fortress is not only a must-see tourist attraction for visitors to the city, but also a living testimony to its rich history, traversed by epochs of domination and profound transformations.
The History of the Castello Sforzesco: from the Sforza family to the Austrian domination
The birth of the Castello Sforzesco dates back to 1450, when Francesco Sforza decided to erect it on the remains of an earlier Visconti construction, the old castle of Porta Giovia. Thanks to the contribution of illustrious personalities of the time, such as Jacopo da Cortona, Filarete, Bramante, Leonardo da Vinci and Cesare Cesariano, the Castle was enriched with splendid exterior and interior decorations, becoming a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Sforza family.
Over time, the castle came under the control of the Spanish, who transformed it into one of the most impressive garrisons in Europe. It was during this period that Vincenzo Seregni designed a new defence system to further strengthen the structure. The arrival of the Austrians kept the castle’s defensive role unchanged, with the only artistic addition being the statue of St John of Nepomuk in the courtyard.
The transformations of the Napoleonic era
The Napoleonic era marked a turning point for the fate of Castello Sforzesco. Despite the initial desire to preserve its defensive characteristics, Napoleon decided to demolish part of the structure following a popular petition calling for its removal. Giovanni Antonio Antolini’s project, which envisaged a radical remodelling in the Neoclassical style, was rejected due to its excessive cost, and Napoleon authorised Luigi Cagnola’s project instead, which included a semicircle of residential buildings and the Arch of Peace.
After Napoleone’s defeat at Waterloo the Austrians return and Beltrami’s modifications
After the fall of Napoleon, the castle returned under Austrian control, resuming its military function. With the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, the feeling of the Milanese towards the stronghold changed radically. However, the intervention of architect Luca Beltrami completely transformed the Castle, restoring the splendour of the Sforza years and endowing it with a new cultural and artistic function.
The Filarete Tower and the Torta degli Sposi (Wedding Cake) fountain represent two of the most striking new features of Beltrami’s restorations. The original tower had collapsed in 1521 due to an internal explosion, while the fountain was built in the 1930s and subsequently rebuilt in 1999 after being dismantled for the underground works.
The Sforza Castle Museums
The Castello Sforzesco houses numerous museums and art collections. The Pinacoteca is among the most important sections, with works dating back to the times of the Visconti and Sforza families, as well as paintings from suppressed monasteries and churches. Among the best known works are the Madonna del Libro by Vincenzo Foppa and the magnificent Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo, kept in the former Spanish hospital.
The Museum of Ancient Art, on the other hand, offers a vast collection of pieces from the Visconti, Sforza and Spanish periods, including the Equestrian Monument to Bernabò Visconti. The Sala delle Asse, entirely frescoed by Leonardo da Vinci, is another unmissable point of interest within the Museum.
Useful Information to visit the Castello Sforzesco
The courtyards of the Castello Sforzesco are accessible free of charge from 7 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. The museums are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30 (last ticket at 16:30; last admission to each individual museum/section at 17:00). The full price ticket costs €5.00 while the reduced price ticket is €3.00 (for 18-25 year olds and the over 65s).
In short, the Castello Sforzesco not only represents a historical and cultural heritage of inestimable value for Milan, but is also a place where art and history come together in a unique way, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.
Discover the exclusive services offered by AN Hotels
To make your stay in Melegnano and Linate even more special, AN Hotels offer you and your family many exclusive services including:
- Free Wi-Fi and meeting rooms for those who wish to combine work and leisure during their stay
- Our designer rooms, topped with top service, thanks to our staff at your disposal
- Shuttle service to discover the beauty of Milan and its surroundings
- Swimming pool with outdoor park at our AN Park Hotel Milano Linate
- Event halls, sharing spaces
- Premium international breakfast
Book your stay at AN Hotels now and celebrate your Easter in Milan in one of our elegant design hotels with luxury and comfort. Book now and treat yourself to a dream Easter in Milan!
AN Hotel Melegnano
Email: info@an-hotels.com
Phone: +390280012312
Address: Via Don Dossetti, 2 Carpiano, Milano 20074
AN Park Hotel Settala
Email: info@an-hotels.com
Phone: +3902839901
Address: Via delle Industrie, Snc, 20090 Milano
