(NEXSTAR) - Visitors are packing the grounds of a historic Milan fortress as the city hosts the Winter Olympics. Castello Sforzesco, built by Milan's ruling family, currently serves as a cultural hub where centuries of history intersect with the energy of the winter games. The fortress houses a collection of world-renowned art, including works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. As Olympic events take place throughout the city, the site has seen a high volume of guests who are visiting the historic defenses and towering gates originally built in the 15th century. The fortress was originally constructed as a military stronghold. Massive brick walls surround the site, and towering gates were erected in the 1400s to defend Milan. These entrances once controlled all access to the city, supported by a wide moat that provided an additional layer of protection. The grounds have transitioned from a defensive structure to a cultural space. The moat is now dotted with various art installations and vendors offering coffee and sweets. These amenities keep visitors lingering on the property as they explore the architecture and history. The presence of the Winter Games has brought an influx of people to the area. This increased activity has resulted in longer lines at local shops. Residents have described the atmosphere as lively and exciting despite the crowds. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by Nexstar. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by Nexstar staff before being published.