New archaeological work in early 2025 revealed a hidden network of secret tunnels under Milan’s historic Sforza Castle. These passageways have long been speculated to exist and are depicted in Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches. Researchers using ground-penetrating radar and laser scanning confirmed the truth of the old legend of a subterranean world of fascinating history.
Technology Confirms Presence Of Hidden Passages
Experts from the Politecnico di Milano, with the help of Sforza Castle authorities and Codevintec, undertook a non-invasive survey between 2021 and 2023 to create a “digital twin” of the castle’s underground features. The results revealed previously unknown corridors, some of which ran beneath the castle’s Ghirlanda defensive wall and others parallel to an already known passage just a few feet under the surface.
Clues From Leonardo’s Sketches
These newly found passages resemble illustrations from Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Forster I, sketched around 1495. Da Vinci was known to work for Ludovico Sforza, painting frescoes in Ludovico’s buildings and drawing concepts for military architecture. Though the tunnels do reflect his sketches, researchers have stated that Leonardo’s actual participation in planning or constructing them still isn’t known for sure.
Leonardo da Vinci's Secret Tunnels Discovered Beneath Milan's Sforza Castle, Creative Tube, YouTube
Military Strategy And Personal Use
At first glance, it seems these tunnels served more than one function. One corridor going under the defense wall was most likely intended for soldiers to launch surprise maneuvers. Another is thought to run toward the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Beatrice d’Este, Ludovico Sforza’s wife, is buried. This passage was possibly to allow Ludovico private access to her tomb.
Unknown Master, Italian (active 1490-1520 in Lombardy), Wikimedia Commons
An Amazing Blend Of Science And Art
The construction of the tunnels, with their bricked, barrel-vaulted features strategically aligned with ventilation, are a hallmark of Renaissance engineering and architectural ingenuity. These elements display the overlapping artistic, military, and civic influence of the Sforza era, with Da Vinci himself being emblematic of that trademark blend.
Stefano Bianchetti, Getty Images
Impact On History And Preservation
This discovery adds another chapter to Milan’s long and colorful history, with an architectural layer hidden underneath one of its most signature landmarks. The non-destructive nature of the scanning equipment maintains the castle’s integrity while at the same time giving us a portal through which we can explore Renaissance history, architecture, and legend.
Stefano Casano, Wikimedia Commons
Dark Tunnels With A Bright Future
Comprehensive excavation is off the table for now, but the digital twin is an immersive pathway for historians and potential virtual exhibits for public viewing. As research inches forward, the tunnels could be gradually opened to safe, guided exploration. Such a bold venture would bring this forgotten history back to life in a modern context, kindling our curiosity to learn more.
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