The mystery of a network of underground tunnels that has been rumored for a long time due to Leonardo Da Vinci’s drawings under the Sforza Castle in Milan has been brought to light with the high-tech help. Experts intend to create for visitors a digital copy of the passing system.
Sforza Castle in Milan still has surprises. Photo Facebook Castello Sforzesco di Milano
The soil penetration radar and laser scan revealed that the historical passages made by Leonardo Da Vinci – which includes representations of the numerous underground tunnels of Sforza Castle, which had never been found – are just one of the many sections of the tunnel, according to Mechanics.
How did this discovery come to
A team of researchers made up of experts at the Polytechnic University of Milan, Codevintec and Sforza Castel used the technology mentioned to map several meters from under the castle. This was not only discovered that the tunnels that Leonardo da Vinci alluded to his drawings existed, but also that they could be just a small piece of a complicated system that crowds the whole site.
“The soil penetration radar has enriched the 3D model with data on known but inaccessible spaces, bringing to light the unknown birds and ideas for further studies on secret passages.”said Francesca Biolo, a researcher at the Polytechnic University in Milan.
About the Sforza Castle in Milan
The quoted source writes about the famous construction that it has gained a new life in the 1400s, when the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, rebuilt an ancient site. It was transformed into Sforza Castle, with towers, courtyards and rooms lined with frescoes.
In 1494, Francesco’s successor, Ludovico Sforza, employee Leonardo da Vinci to create art for the castle. According to Art Net, in his effort to complete that project, Leonardo built the unseen tunnel system of the castle, as registered in Codex Forster I.
Experts believe that tunnels have once been used for military operations, but other portions of the system could have included personal uses.
For example, a passage connects the castle to the basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church built by Francesco who hosts the “secret dinner” of Leonardo da Vinci and which is also the place of the burial of the Sforza family. The passage could have offered to those who lived in the Castle Faster access to the graves of loved ones, such as Ludovico’s wife, Beatrice d’i is.
Currently, the castle complex hosts three different museums: Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, the Rondanini Market Museum and the Museum of Ancient Art.
“The goal is to create a digital twin of the Sforza Castle”
Although the underground system may not be fully accessible today, the soil penetration radar and the laser scan used to confirm its presence could unlock a new perspective on the underground world of Sforza Castle.
“The purpose is to create a digital twin of the Sforza Castle, a digital model that not only represents the current aspects of the castle, but also allows you to explore the past, recovering historical elements that are no longer visible.”said Franco Guzzetti, professor of geomatic at the Polytechnic University of Milan.
The addition of augmented reality in virtual paths could allow visitors to explore underground media and historical places inaccessible to a new museum experience.
