Secret tunnels discovered in Italy: Leonardo da Vinci may have built them

The research project led by the Politecnico di Milano aimed to digitize and map 15th-century underground structures. The discovery, announced in January, was made using modern non-destructive methods such as ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning, allowing for new information to be gathered about the castle.

HOW WERE THE TUNNELS DISCOVERED?

According to a report by CNN, research conducted by Francesca Biolo, a lecturer at Politecnico di Milano, and her team initially began with the sole purpose of digitizing known underground passages; however, a second secret tunnel and other underground structures were discovered beneath the castle. These tunnels are believed to be secret passages used by soldiers to defend the castle. 

During the research, the existence of a tunnel built for Duke Ludovico Sforza's wife also drew attention. The research team suggests that this tunnel connects to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, though they state that further research is needed to confirm this.

WHAT IS THE CONNECTION TO LEONARDO DA VINCI?

While it is not known exactly how much Leonardo da Vinci was involved in the construction of the Sforza Castle, it is believed that his drawings had a major influence on the castle's defensive structures. During this period, Leonardo produced drawings of defensive structures that closely resemble the layout of the castle. Although his drawings are described as designs for conceptual and innovative buildings, their impact on the actual structure of the castle is a subject of great curiosity. Biolo notes that there is a link between the elements Leonardo depicted and the actual structures, but that it is difficult to determine his direct contribution.

LEONARDO'S INFLUENCE ON MILITARY STRUCTURES

The drawings and plans Leonardo made for the castle's defensive structures during the time he spent at the Sforza palace in Milan in the late 1400s are of great importance. The layout of the 'ghirlanda' (garland) and other multiple passage systems show similarities to features found in the actual structures of the castle. Art history professor Dr. Francesca Fiorani stated that Leonardo's drawings were generally innovative building ideas rather than plans designed for actual construction projects. Whether there is a relationship between the recent discoveries and Leonardo's drawings remains unclear.

News Source: 12punto