Francesco Sforza in the context of René of Anjou

The Sforza Castle (Italian: Castello Sforzesco [kasˈtɛllo sforˈtsesko]; Milanese: Castell Sforzesch [kasˈtɛl sfurˈsɛsk]) is a medieval fortification located in Milan, northern Italy. It was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe. Extensively rebuilt by Luca Beltrami in 1891–1905, it now houses several of the city's museums and art collections.

The Peace of Cremona was concluded on 20 November 1441 between the Republic of Venice and the Duchy of Milan, ending the fourth of the five campaigns in the long conflict between the two powers over mastery in northern Italy.

Through the mediation of Francesco Sforza, an armistice was concluded on 6 August, and negotiations began in late September at the field of Cavriana near Cremona, chosen as neutral ground. Sforza secured for himself the lordship of Cremona and the hand of Bianca Maria Visconti, the daughter of the Duke of Milan, Filippo Maria Visconti—and thus, since the Duke had no other heir, his own ultimate succession to the ducal throne.

Sforzinda is a visionary ideal city named after Francesco Sforza, then Duke of Milan. It was designed by Renaissance architect Antonio di Pietro Averlino (c. 1400 – c. 1469), also known as "Averulino" or "Filarete".