Castle of Legnano, Medieval castle in Legnano, Italy

The Castle of Legnano, also called castle of San Giorgio since the 13th century, stands south of Legnano on a natural island of the Olona River, between Castello Park and Piazza I Maggio. Its centre is a tall square brick tower with a shallow hipped roof of dark tiles, four narrow vertical recesses with small arched openings near the top, and an arched gateway with wooden doors at the base. Lower brick and plastered buildings adjoin it, and a gravel surface lies in front.

The fortress was built in the Middle Ages as a strategic stronghold to control the northwestern approaches to Milan. In the 13th century, it changed hands between the Della Torre and Visconti families, who fought to dominate the region.

The castle's name San Giorgio comes from the Augustinian convent documented in 1231, which owned farmland as far as Canegrate and San Vittore Olona. The dedication also gave its name to the Costa di San Giorgio district and the neighbouring comune of San Giorgio su Legnano.

The castle is within walking distance of Legnano's town center and can be viewed from the outside at any time. If you want to enter the grounds, it is worth checking in advance whether an event is scheduled, as this can affect access to certain areas.

Inside the castle grounds stands a small church dedicated to Saint George, which is a remnant of an Augustinian convent that once stood on the same site. This detail reveals how closely religious life and military defense were tied together in this single location.