On this day in history: birth of Galeazzo Maria Sforza

On 24^th January 1444, Galeazzo Maria Sforza, the second Duke of Milan from the Sforza dynasty, was born in Fermo.

Though remembered as a ruthless ruler, his 10-year reign from 1466 to 1476 left a significant imprint on Milan and Lombardy.

Credit goes to Galeazzo for boosting the region’s economy through progressive measures. He promoted the work of Lombard craftsmen, introduced jasmine farming and rice cultivation, and prioritised public health by expanding the institutions established by his father, Francesco Sforza. His minting of the Testone coin, featuring his profile, symbolised Milan’s economic strength.

He also invested in the city’s infrastructure, pushing forward the construction of Milan’s cathedral and overseeing the creation of a major hospital. Galeazzo was a notable patron of the arts, particularly music, attracting renowned composers such as Alexander Agricola and Loyset Compère to his court, where they produced celebrated masses and motets.

At the Castello Sforzesco, Galeazzo spared no expense in extravagance. Rejecting his parents’ preference for modest living, he transformed the castle into a symbol of opulence. Under the guidance of Florentine architects Bartolomeo Gadio and Benedetto Ferrini, the Ducal Court and Rocchetta courtyard were reimagined. Meanwhile artists like Bonifacio Bembo adorned the Ducal Chapel with intricate gold decoration.

The darker side of Galeazzo

Despite his accomplishments, Galeazzo’s darker side cast a shadow over his legacy. His rule was marred by accounts of cruelty, torture, and allegations of sexual violence against Milanese noblewomen. His authoritarian tendencies alienated allies and enraged enemies, culminating in his assassination in 1476.

On 26 December, three conspirators, Carlo Visconti, Gerolamo Olgiati, and Giovanni Andrea Lampugnani, stabbed the Duke during a ceremony at the Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore. Their grievances ranged from personal vendettas to political conflicts.

The death of Galeazzo Maria Sforza marked the end of his controversial reign. His son, Gian Galeazzo Sforza, succeeded him under the regency of his mother, Bona of Savoy.