Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have uncovered a network of underground passages hidden beneath Milan’s iconic Sforza Castle. Forgotten over centuries, these structures offer new insights into the castle’s historical significance and design.
The discovery, made as part of a collaborative project with the castle, sheds light on the strategic and personal purposes these passages may have served.
Leonardo da Vinci’s possible involvement
Ancient writings and sketches, believed to be by Leonardo da Vinci, hint at the potential uses of these tunnels. Some may have been built for military purposes, while others might have connected the castle to nearby landmarks.
One tunnel, according to historical accounts, may have linked the castle to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the resting place of Beatrice d’Este, wife of Ludovico Sforza, known as Ludovico il Moro.
For centuries, these passages have been the subject of speculation, surrounded by myths and legends that captured the imagination of historians and Renaissance enthusiasts. Now, advancements in technology are transforming these stories into tangible evidence.
Advanced tools reveal hidden structures
To map the castle’s underground layers, researchers employed state-of-the-art tools like ground-penetrating radar and laser scanners. Ground-penetrating radar, which uses electromagnetic waves, identified hidden spaces without requiring excavation.
Meanwhile, laser scanners created detailed three-dimensional models of the subsurface, providing precise measurements of the tunnels’ dimensions and features.
A new perspective on Sforza castle’s history
These findings confirmed the presence of underground structures, offering new perspectives on the castle’s architectural evolution. The study not only adds to the historical narrative of Sforza Castle but also opens possibilities for further exploration and preservation efforts.
#StaircaseSaturday @closluce #Renaissance #France A secret underground passage. The legend tells that the king, François I, would sometimes use it to visit Leonardo da Vinci. pic.twitter.com/VsLpihhtYi
— marmeladova (@marmeladov12) February 10, 2024
A central goal of this research is the creation of a “digital twin” of Sforza Castle. This virtual replica will capture the castle’s current state in extraordinary detail and reconstruct historical elements that have been lost over time.
By integrating archaeological, historical, and technological data into a single interactive model, the digital twin will allow users to experience the castle’s history in an entirely new way.
Virtual tours and future restoration
Virtual tours based on this model will transport users through different periods in the castle’s history, showcasing its changing architecture and strategic importance. This innovative tool is also expected to aid future restoration projects, ensuring the preservation of the castle’s cultural legacy for generations to come.
The underground passages in Milan that once existed only in legends now come to life through these discoveries. Detailed images and 3D models connect the genius of figures like Leonardo da Vinci with modern technology, bridging the past and the present in a remarkable way.
As researchers continue to uncover more secrets beneath Sforza Castle, the project serves as a testament to the enduring power of history, technology, and collaboration.