Visconti was a prominent Italian noble family that ruled the city of Milan and its surrounding regions during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. They played a significant role in the political and cultural landscape of northern Italy from the 13th to the 15th centuries, known for their military prowess and strategic marriages. The Visconti family is also recognized for their contributions to art and architecture, commissioning notable works and buildings, including the Castello Sforzesco in Milan. Their legacy includes the establishment of the Duchy of Milan, which became a powerful state under their rule before eventually passing to the Sforza family.