Ground penetrating radars reveal new secrets under Sforza Castle in Milan
As part of a PhD thesis, an innovative technological investigation conducted by the Politecnico di Milano, in collaboration with the Sforza Castle and with the technical support of Codevintec, has revealed the presence of numerous underground passages under the Sforza Castle, in correspondence with what was the Garland, some of which could be linked to secret passages of a military nature, also described in drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. According to historical sources, Ludovico il Moro would have built, for example, an underground connection to be able to reach his beloved wife Beatrice d'Este, buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This passage, immortalized in Leonardo's drawings, has long been the subject of legends and speculations. Now, thanks to technology, it seems that its existence can be confirmed. But there are numerous secret walkways.
The investigation used advanced technologies, including ground penetrating radars and laser scanners, to accurately map and document the Castle's subsurface and its underground structures. These instruments made it possible to reveal cavities and underground walkways at a depth of a few decimeters.
The goal is to create a digital twin of the Sforza Castle, a digital model that not only represents the current appearance of the Castle but also allows you to explore the past, recovering historical elements that are no longer visible.
Franco Guzzetti, professor of Geomatics
In addition to the historical documentation, the data collected have also opened up new opportunities for the tourist enhancement of the Castle. The integration of augmented reality technologies and the creation of virtual paths would allow visitors to explore underground environments and inaccessible historical places, offering an immersive experience that combines history and innovation.
The ground penetrating radar enriched the 3D model with data on known but inaccessible spaces, bringing to light unknown walkways and ideas for further studies on secret passages.
Francesca Biolo, researcher at the Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering