Researchers in Italy could have uncovered underground tunnels beneath Milan’s Sforza Citadel that had been as soon as solely identified by means of a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci, in accordance with a report by CNN.
Specialists from the Politecnico di Milano introduced the invention in January after utilizing superior expertise akin to ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning to map the citadel’s underground constructions. The analysis started as a part of a doctoral undertaking by Francesca Biolo, now an architect and analysis fellow on the college.
Biolo informed CNN, “Our findings function yet one more reminder of how deeply embedded historical past is inside our cities.” She emphasised that understanding historical past and structure is essential for preserving cultural heritage.
Secret passageways beneath the citadel
The Sforza Citadel, constructed within the fifteenth century by Duke Ludovico Sforza, was a key army stronghold. Leonardo, identified for his expertise in artwork and science, was additionally an professional in defensive constructions and was commissioned by the duke to design fortifications.
Whereas researchers already knew about one underground passageway working alongside the citadel’s moat, their survey revealed a second hidden tunnel that had solely been theorised for years. This passage, positioned about one metre beneath the floor, was seemingly utilized by troopers to defend the citadel.
Additional underground constructions had been additionally detected, together with tunnels probably resulting in the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the place the duke’s spouse was buried. Historic sources counsel Ludovico Sforza could have constructed this passage to achieve her tomb extra simply. Nonetheless, extra analysis is required to verify this connection.
Leonardo’s function within the citadel’s defence
Leonardo’s drawings from round 1495 present defensive constructions that strongly resemble the Sforza Citadel. Nonetheless, specialists are unsure whether or not these tunnels had been constructed based mostly on his designs.
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Dr Francesca Fiorani, an artwork historical past professor on the College of Virginia, informed CNN, “Most of Leonardo’s architectural drawings had been concepts for revolutionary buildings fairly than precise blueprints for development.” Additional investigation is required to find out if his sketches match the tunnels lately found.
Regardless of centuries of demolitions and reconstructions, the brand new findings show that elements of the citadel’s authentic underground constructions nonetheless stay, Biolo mentioned. She added, “The underground holds traces of our previous—not simply from this period, however from many others.”
Her crew will proceed engaged on conservation tasks throughout Italy, aiming to guard forgotten heritage websites utilizing trendy expertise.
