They were considered a legend: secret passages depicted in Leonardo da Vinci's drawings discovered in an Italian castle (photo)
In a new study, scientists have discovered secret passages under the Milanese castle of Sforza, Italy, in particular in the place where the outer wall used to be located. There is speculation that some of these passages may be connected to the classified military routes depicted in Leonardo da Vinci's drawings.
According to historical sources, Ludovico il Moro commissioned the creation of at least one underground passage that led to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where his wife Beatrice d'Este was buried. It is this tunnel that is depicted in Leonardo da Vinci's drawings and has long been the subject of numerous legends and speculations, UAportal reports citing SciTechDaily.
Modern technologies have allowed scientists to confirm the presence of these tunnels. The researchers used ground penetrating radar (GPR) and laser scanners to create a detailed map of the castle's underground structures. Thanks to these methods, it was possible to identify hidden passages and cavities at a depth of less than one meter underground.
"The goal is to create a digital twin of Sforza Castle, a digital model that not only shows the modern appearance of the castle, but also allows us to explore the past, revealing ancient structures that are no longer visible," said Franco Guzzetti, professor of geomatics at the Polytechnic University of Milan.
The collected information not only complements historical information but can also be used to create augmented reality projects that combine innovative technologies with historical heritage, providing a unique immersive experience.
Francesca Biolo from the Polytechnic Institute said: "The use of GPR technology has allowed us to improve the 3D model, providing information about known but inaccessible areas, as well as identifying new passages. This opens up prospects for further research into the mysterious underground passages."
The researchers did not specify whether they have visited these passages, whether they plan to do so in the future, or whether they will conduct additional excavations and research.
The Sforza Castle, located in Milan, is a medieval fortress that was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the foundations of a 14th-century fortification. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was one of the largest citadels in Europe. Between 1891 and 1905, the castle underwent significant changes under the leadership of Luca Beltrami, an Italian architect and historian who worked on the restoration. It was probably during this period that the passages were closed and forgotten. Today, the castle is home to several museums with art collections.
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