The name of this fortress is based on its geographical location: the Castello is located on a rock as dark as the feathers of a raven (from dialect “corbatt”).
This is a typical Sforza fortress built in a basic geometrical shape. The dungeon and lookout tower are nestled in a square courtyard surrounded by high walls.
Of the three castles, it is the only one with a precise date of construction: 1479. It was built in just over six months by Sforza architect Benedetto Ferrini to complete the defensive barrier meant to prevent the Confederates from reaching Milan. The restoration works (2004-2006) directed by architect Paola Piffaretti helped to fully realise the castle’s potential, making it a more attractive tourist destination and reinstating the surrounding network of paths.
Today the castle also hosts temporary national and international fairs and exhibitions on various topics.
From its perch 230 metres above the city, Sasso Corbaro offers a fantastic panoramic view: the vista expands northward towards the Riviera valley dominated by Pizzo di Claro and southward to the Lake Maggiore basin in Italy.
