Secret Passages Hidden in Da Vinci's Sketches Unveiled Under Milan’s Medieval Fortress

Beneath Sforza Castle In Milan, researchers have uncovered a network of hidden passageways that were formerly illustrated by the Renaissance polymath and artist. Leonardo da Vinci and crossed by a widower burdened by sorrow.

The tunnels were discovered by experts from the Polytechnic University of Milan, who used ground-penetrating radar and laser scanners to map the 15th-century stronghold’s subterranean structures. The imaging revealed cavities and passageways positioned just a foot or two below the ground.

"The objective is to generate a digital twin of the Sforza Castle, a virtual replica that depicts both the present state of the fortress and enables exploration into history by uncovering old structures that have since become invisible," explains Franco Guzzetti , a geomatics researcher at the Milan Polytechnic University, as stated statement .

The construction of Sforza commenced in 1358 by the workforce, yet the fortress met its demise due to political turmoil roughly one hundred years thereafter. Francesco Sforza In 1450, the Duke of Milan commanded the reconstruction of a new castle upon the remains of the old one. Following his demise, his heir, Ludovico—who was also referred to as il Moro , or “the Moor ", due to his swarthy skin and hair—which he kept well-groomed—he secured control over the Duchy of Milan and proceeded with the renovation of the castle.

Ludovico employed multiple artists, including Leonardo. Donato Bramante and Bernardino Zenale —used to adorn the building's walls. You can view Leonardo's frescoes within the castle’s interior. Sala delle Asse , or "Chamber of Wooden Planks." During this period, he also recorded the existence of hidden passageways constructed for military reasons beneath the castle. ghirlanda (outer wall).

"As stated, 'This passageway has gained immortality through Leonardo's sketches and has for centuries sparked numerous legends and significant conjecture.' However, with recent technological advancements, it appears that we may finally verify its existence," says the announcement.

Historic documents indicate that Ludovico commissioned the building of a secret underground passage to facilitate his movement between locations within Milan. Basilica of Saint Mary of Grace , where his wife was laid to rest. Ludovico had wedded Beatrice d'Este, the daughter of the Duke of Ferrara, in 1491. As Encyclopedia Britannica notes that their marriage was "exceptionally peaceful" yet brief; Beatrice passed away during childbirth in 1497. The hidden passageway attributed to Ludovico—if it indeed extended more than half a mile—could have offered the grieving husband clandestine visits and functioned as an escape route in the event of a siege.

The researchers examined the castle’s premises using ground-penetrating radar , operates by transmitting radio waves into the ground and receiving reflected signals via an antenna. These scans might eventually facilitate the creation of augmented reality experiences or enable virtual tours for visitors, according to Claudio Salsi, who serves as the historical director of the castle’s museums. ANSA .

Francesca Biolo An architect from the Polytechnic University of Milan stated in the announcement that the scans represent merely the initial phase in deciphering the mysteries surrounding the tunnels beneath Sforza Castle.

“The [ground-penetrating radar] technology has added to our 3D model by providing data about well-known but inaccessible spaces, revealing unknown pathways and suggesting ideas for further research into these secret passages,” she adds.