Cascina Sforzesca
A historic 15th-century estate linked to Ludovico il Moro and Leonardo da Vinci, now sadly abandoned.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Cascina Sforzesca
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 15th-century estate linked to Ludovico il Moro and Leonardo da Vinci, now sadly abandoned.
"A magnificent historic place is abandoned and slowly decaying. What a shame!"
Appreciate from Afar
Since it's abandoned, enjoy views from the perimeter and learn its history online. :camerawithflash:
Research its Past
Dive into historical accounts to truly grasp its significance and Leonardo's involvement. 📚
Quick Facts
Rating
4 · 65 reviews
Type
Historical Place
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Quattrocento Architecture
Admire the remnants of 15th-century architecture, a testament to its ducal origins.
Leonardo da Vinci's Influence
Explore the area where Leonardo da Vinci studied innovative hydraulic and irrigation systems.
Historic Village Charm
Discover the remnants of a small village that once thrived around the cascina, including old houses and a washhouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into History
Understanding Current Access
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Appreciate from Afar
Since it's abandoned, enjoy views from the perimeter and learn its history online. :camerawithflash:
Research its Past
Dive into historical accounts to truly grasp its significance and Leonardo's involvement. 📚
Local History Focus
Understand its role as a model farm and silkworm farming introduction site. :silk:
Tips
from all over the internet
Appreciate from Afar
Since it's abandoned, enjoy views from the perimeter and learn its history online. :camerawithflash:
Research its Past
Dive into historical accounts to truly grasp its significance and Leonardo's involvement. 📚
Local History Focus
Understand its role as a model farm and silkworm farming introduction site. :silk:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cascina Sforzesca is recognized for its immense historical significance, particularly its Quattrocento architecture and its connection to Ludovico il Moro and Leonardo da Vinci. However, visitors are consistently disappointed by its current state of abandonment and decay, lamenting the lack of access and the missed potential for preservation and tourism.
"Absolutely amazing place, where Ludovico il Moro had a model farm. Even the Gauls were impressed and carted cheeses away back to France during occupation. Beautiful Quattrocento architecture. It is devastating to see that this magnificent historic place is abandoned and is slowly decaying. What a shame!"
V K
"Amazing place"
Sameh hassan Al pacino
"Also known as Colombarone, it was built by order of Ludovico il Moro around 1486.
It seems that Leonardo da Vinci also participated in its project (he certainly stayed there, contributing to studies on the local "marcite" (a drainage and irrigation system for the fields).
It was used in those years to introduce silkworm farming to Italy.
A small village developed around it, of which historic houses and an ancient washhouse still remain.
Under the Savoy and owned by the Saporiti family, it even became the seat of a Marquisate.
It cannot be visited and, unfortunately, is now abandoned and in very poor condition.
It's a shame, because the farmhouse and village, if developed, could have great historical and touristic value."
channel max
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cascina Sforzesca is located near Milan. While public transport might get you close, its abandoned state means there isn't a designated visitor route. It's best to research its exact location and approach with caution, respecting private property.
Access by car is possible to the general vicinity, but due to its abandoned nature, direct parking at the site is unlikely. Be mindful of local regulations and private land.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Unfortunately, Cascina Sforzesca is currently abandoned and not open for public visits. Access is restricted due to its condition.
As the site is abandoned, there are no official opening hours. It is not accessible to the public.
No tickets are required or available as Cascina Sforzesca is not an operational tourist attraction at this time.
📸 📸 Photography
While you can photograph the exterior from public vantage points, entering the property is not permitted due to its abandoned and potentially unsafe condition.
Focus on capturing the architectural details from the perimeter. The surrounding landscape might offer some photographic opportunities, but always respect private property.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Cascina Sforzesca, also known as Colombarone, was built around 1486 by Ludovico il Moro, Duke of Milan.
Leonardo da Vinci stayed at Cascina Sforzesca and conducted studies on hydraulic systems and agricultural improvements for the local fields.
It served as a model farm and was instrumental in introducing silkworm farming to Italy. It was also a hunting estate for the Duke.
Sadly, Cascina Sforzesca is abandoned and in a state of decay, which is a significant loss given its historical importance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit