Castle of Soncino, Medieval fortress in Soncino, Italy.

The Castle of Soncino is a brick fortress built between 1473 and 1476, with two quadrangular enclosures. The larger has four towers joined by massive walls; the smaller forms a large ravelin before the entrance, which has separate pedestrian and equestrian passages and is topped by a small guard chamber.

Construction of the fortress began in 1473 under Francesco Sforza and served as a strategic defense point between Milan and the Venetian Republic. The structure was built to protect border regions during a time of significant political tension.

The castle holds rooms decorated with frescoes commissioned by the Stampa family in the 16th century. These artworks show how wealthy families adorned their living spaces with elaborate decorations.

Visitors can explore the courtyard, climb the towers, and walk through underground passages. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, as the paths are stone-based and the stairs inside the towers are steep.

The Castellan's Tower could be sealed off from the rest of the castle during a siege, and a secret passage linked it to the moat and the fields beyond. Its rooms keep Renaissance frescoes and fireplaces with pyramidal hoods.