Secret Tunnels Designed by Leonardo da Vinci Discovered Beneath Historic Italian Castle

Scientists have recently discovered hidden underground passages under the medieval Sforza Castle in Milan, the existence of which was only previously assumed. The researchers suggest that they may be connected to Leonardo da Vinci's sketches from 1495. The discovery was announced by the Polytechnic University of Milan, CNN reports.  

In the period from 2021 to 2023, underground research was carried out using advanced non-contact technologies such as ground penetrating radar and laser scanning. This made it possible to create a digital map of the underground structures of the 15th-century castle.  

The project began as a doctoral thesis by Francesca Biolo, who is currently an architect and researcher at the Polytechnic University of Milan. She noted that this discovery once again confirms ‘how deeply history is woven into the fabric of our cities’.  

Initially, the research focused on creating a digital model of the underground passages under the Ghirlanda, the outer defence wall of the castle. Here, scientists have already discovered a tunnel running along the moat.  

During the survey, they unexpectedly found another, previously unknown tunnel, located about a metre below the first. According to the researchers, it was probably used for military purposes for the defence of Ghirlanda.  

In addition, several additional tunnels were discovered, most of which have brick walls and vaulted ceilings. One of them leads in the direction of the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Duke Ludovico Sforza's wife is buried. Historical sources suggest that the duke may have built this passage to provide quick access to her grave. However, further research is needed to establish whether the tunnel actually connects to the basilica.  

Although there is no reliable evidence of Leonardo da Vinci's involvement in the construction of these structures, the discovery confirms his influence on the architectural development of Sforza Castle. It is known that in the late 15th century he worked at the court of Ludovico Sforza and created drawings of defensive structures that have a similar structure to the found underground passages.  

Francesca Fiorani, an art history expert at the University of Virginia, notes that most of Leonardo's architectural sketches were more of a ‘mental’ exercise than actual construction projects. She suggests that the found tunnels may partially correspond to his drawings, but further research is needed to confirm this.

As The Gaze previously reported, the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci, which is kept in the Louvre Museum in Paris, will be moved to a separate room. French President Emmanuel Macron said that the Mona Lisa would be moved and exhibited ‘in a special place’ nearby.

According to him, the new space will be separated from the main part of the museum, will have a separate entrance ticket and will create conditions for ‘a different and more relaxed way of visiting’.