Unearthing Leonardo’s Legacy: The Hidden Tunnels of Sforza Castle

In an exciting breakthrough for history enthusiasts and archaeologists alike, a dedicated team from the Polytechnic University of Milan has unveiled secret passageways lurking beneath the centuries-old Sforza Castle. These mysterious tunnels, thought to be inspired by sketches drawn by Leonardo da Vinci in 1495, reveal yet another layer of the rich tapestry of Italian heritage.

Between 2021 and 2023, researchers employed advanced non-destructive techniques—using ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning—to create a digital map of the castle’s underground network. “Our findings remind us that history is woven into the very fabric of our cities,” said Francesca Biolo, a research fellow whose doctoral work initiated the surveys. “Understanding these structures helps us appreciate the depth of our cultural and architectural heritage.”

Leonardo da Vinci, celebrated not only as a master artist but also as an ingenious military architect, spent time at Sforza Castle during the late 15th century under Duke Ludovico Sforza. It is believed that the Renaissance polymath devised plans for secret tunnels as escape routes for soldiers in times of siege—a visionary concept that echoes in the newfound passageways. While many of his architectural ideas were imaginative exercises rather than literal blueprints, the resemblance to these underground corridors is striking.

The team’s investigation led to the remarkable discovery of a second, previously hypothesized tunnel running parallel to an already known passage. Hidden just three feet below the surface, this concealed route might have offered a vital exit strategy in critical moments. Experts suspect that more hidden structures remain buried under the castle, whose size was once six times its current footprint—a legacy marred by centuries of demolitions and restorations following the Napoleonic wars and late 19th-century renovations.

This ground breaking discovery not only deepens our understanding of Renaissance military ingenuity but also underscores the importance of preserving our cultural landmarks. As we peel back the layers of history, the visionary ideas of Leonardo da Vinci continue to inspire awe and remind us of the innovative spirit that shaped the past.