Researchers recently uncovered hidden structures beneath Milan’s fifteenth-century Sforza Castle, including underground passages and secret walkways that were previously unknown. The findings were made possible through technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and laser scanners, which allowed researchers to accurately map and document the subsoil of the castle and its underground structures, revealing cavities and walkways at depths of a few decimeters, according to ANSA.
One of the discoveries is a tunnel that connects the Sforza Castle to the nearby church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which has long been the subject of legends and speculation. Historical sources suggest that Ludovico il Moro, the Duke of Milan, had this underground connection built to reach his beloved wife Beatrice d’Este, who was buried in the basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, as reported by Adnkronos.
“The georadar enriched the 3D model with data on known but inaccessible spaces, bringing to light unknown walkways and ideas for further studies on the secret passages,” explained Francesca Biolo, a researcher at the ABC Department of the Polytechnic University of Milan, according to Scienze Notizie. Biolo and her team discovered underground passages buried about 30 centimeters below the ground, corresponding to what was known as the Ghirlanda, ANSA noted.
The investigation also shed light on the existence of underground passages evidenced in Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings. The underground passage was depicted in the drawings of the renowned polymath, suggesting a link to secret military passages described in his works, according to The Independent.
The work, which is part of a doctoral thesis, was carried out using georadar and laser scanners. Ground-penetrating radar technology emits electromagnetic waves into the ground, and by analyzing the reflected signals, scientists can identify variations in soil composition, density, and the presence of voids. This method detected subsurface anomalies beneath the castle, suggesting the presence of hidden structures, The Independent reported.
Researchers hope to use the collected data to create an augmented reality experience that will allow visitors of the castle to virtually explore the underground structures and hidden passages. “A digital model that not only represents the current appearance of the Castle but also allows exploring the past, recovering historical elements that are no longer visible,” said Franco Guzzetti, a professor of Geomatics at the Polytechnic University of Milan, according to ANSA.
“Thanks to technology and augmented reality, we can offer an absolutely unprecedented and extraordinary virtual visit of the Sforza Castle available to the numerous tourists who frequent it,” added Claudio Salsi, a professor of History of Drawing at the Catholic University and former director of the museums of the Castle, as mentioned in ANSA. The current objective is to create a virtual twin of the Castle, which will serve as an interactive tool that facilitates exploration of the site’s historical changes over time, representing a step in the conservation and enhancement of one of Milan’s most important cultural heritages, Scienze Notizie reported.
The Sforza Castle was commissioned in 1450 by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, and the structure seen today is the result of a project initiated by him, according to Scienze Notizie. Over the years, the castle has served as a fortress, residence, and seat of power, and it stands today as an emblem of Italian history that has long captivated the imaginations of historians, architects, and engineers, The Independent noted.
At the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci created “The Last Supper,” a famous fresco, as reported by ANSA. Leonardo was among the artists called by Ludovico il Moro to beautify and strengthen the residence. He created frescoes in several rooms of the castle and conceived solutions to improve the defense of the castle and its surroundings, according to Scienze Notizie.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq
This article was originally published at www.jpost.com
