Secret Tunnels Linked to Da Vinci Discovered Beneath Ancient Castle in Milan

milan, italy - Scientists uncover a hidden tunnel beneath Sforza Castle in Milan, potentially connected to Leonardo da Vinci.

Remarkable Discovery

A secret tunnel was unearthed beneath Sforza Castle, also known as 'Castello Sforzesco', in Milan, originally designed in the fourteenth century by Antionio di Pietro Averlino. Clues from Leonardo da Vinci's sketches from the late fifteenth century led researchers to the finding.

Utilizing modern technology such as ground-penetrating radars, lasers, and advanced scanners, the hidden tunnels were revealed. The castle was believed to house secret chambers, and this discovery sheds light on its mysterious history.

Francesca Biolo, a doctoral student delving into the castle's history, played a key role in the discovery. Over two years, her team explored the cellars of the complex, uncovering a previously unknown second tunnel near the already discovered passageway under the Ghirlanda, the outer wall.

The tunnels were likely used centuries ago for defense in case of an attack and for evacuating castle occupants to safety. While Da Vinci's involvement in the castle's construction remains unclear, Biolo's team plans to continue researching for other tunnels beneath the castle and explore the existence of similar secret passageways under other historical buildings in Milan.

The castle museum intends to create a 3D film showcasing the tunnel network for visitors.