Visconti-Sforza Castle

Visconti-Sforza Castle is a rectangular fortress in Novara with thick brick walls and four corner towers that rise prominently above the cityscape. The structure sits within a former protective moat that once received water from nearby irrigation channels to reinforce its defenses.

The castle was founded in the 13th century and later developed by the Visconti family, but took its current form under Galeazzo Maria Sforza in the mid-15th century. This renovation period introduced the distinctive four corner towers and reinforced fortifications that define the structure today.

The castle now houses the Angelo Bozzola Museum displaying sculptures, paintings, and graphic artworks, while its library contains over 14,000 volumes including rare incunabula and 16th-century publications that preserve regional literary heritage.

The fortress is most easily reached on foot from Novara's center via Piazza Vittorio Veneto during regular opening hours. Allow sufficient time to explore the interior spaces and exhibitions at a leisurely pace without rushing through the grounds.

Underground passages connect the four corner towers, allowing defenders to move across the entire fortress without exposure to attack. These hidden tunnels remain among the best-preserved features and reveal clever engineering for medieval defense.