Hidden for centuries, mysterious passages designed by Leonardo da Vinci have been uncovered beneath Sforza Castle in Milan. Cutting-edge 3D imaging techniques revealed rooms and tunnels on a previously unknown underground level.
The identification of mysterious underground passages sketched by Leonardo da Vinci beneath Sforza Castle in Milan marks a significant discovery in understanding the history and architecture of the iconic fortress. These tunnels, part of early military defenses , were revealed through a groundbreaking project that employed advanced 3D imaging techniques. Experts believe there may be even more hidden structures waiting to be uncovered.
Construction of Sforza Castle, located in the heart of modern-day Milan, commenced in the mid-1300s. Over the centuries, it underwent expansions, modifications, and partial demolitions, leaving only about one-sixth of the original structure standing today. Around 1495, the lord of Milan commissioned Leonardo da Vinci and other artists to embellish the castle's interior walls and ceilings. During this period, da Vinci sketched defensive fortifications remarkably similar to Sforza Castle, including multiple passageways that had been lost to time.Dr. Eleonora Biolo, an architectural historian at the Polytechnic University of Milan, led this project, collaborating with Sforza Castle authorities and the engineering company Codevintec Italiana. Their innovative method of digitizing intricate, multi-layered historical buildings employed laser scanning, 3D ground-penetrating radar surveys, and photogrammetry. Biolo's team conducted a comprehensive survey of the castle's underground spaces, aiming to identify any previously unknown chambers or passageways. The results exceeded their expectations, revealing rooms on a second underground level and an additional passage running parallel to the known one.'Leonardo da Vinci was deeply knowledgeable about military structures and defensive systems prevalent during his time,' Biolo stated. His sketches clearly depict the main body of the castle along with multiple passageways. However, it remains unclear to what extent Leonardo's involvement extended to the specific construction of the Milanese fortress.' While acknowledging the potential for further discoveries beneath Sforza Castle, Biolo emphasized the importance of respecting the site's current condition and the city's limitations. 'Excavation is not a feasible option,' she explained. 'We all yearn to explore these spaces physically, but safeguarding the existing site is paramount.
Leonardo Da Vinci Sforza Castle Milan Underground Tunnels Military Defenses Architectural History 3D Imaging
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