Mysterious tunnels inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's drawings have been discovered in Milan (photos and videos available).

In Italy, beneath the Sforza Castle in Milan, architects and researchers have uncovered underground tunnels that were likely sketched by Leonardo da Vinci more than five centuries ago. The discovered passages are believed to be part of the early military defenses of the fortress, and experts think this is only a small section of a much larger hidden system.

The construction of Sforza Castle began in the 14th century. Over time, the structure underwent numerous renovations, and now only a small portion of the original complex remains. In 1495, the ruler of Milan enlisted Leonardo da Vinci to decorate the interior walls and ceilings of the castle. Da Vinci's sketches from that era depict numerous passages and underground pathways, many of which had long been lost to humanity.

"Advanced technologies were used during the survey, including ground-penetrating radar and laser scanners, to accurately map and document the depths of the castle and its underground structures. These tools allowed for the discovery of cavities and underground passages just a few dozen centimeters deep," researchers explain.

These tunnels are believed to have a more romantic significance as well. According to some sources, Ludovico Sforza ordered the construction of a secret passage connecting the castle to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where the remains of his wife Beatrice are interred. Shrouded in legends and myths for centuries, this tunnel has been the subject of study by both historians and Renaissance enthusiasts. Now, thanks to advancements in technology, research indicates that these stories may have a basis in reality.

The research team from the Polytechnic University of Milan, in collaboration with the engineering firm Codevintec Italiana, employed the latest methods for digitizing the castle's structure: laser scanning, GPS, 3D radar surveys, and photogrammetry. This allowed for the creation of a virtual 3D model and the discovery of rooms on a second underground level and additional passages that were previously inaccessible for inspection. Despite these intriguing findings, physical excavations beneath the fortress are not planned. One of the most ambitious goals of this research is to create a "digital twin" of Sforza Castle.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported that a burned scroll from Pompeii was "unrolled" thanks to modern technologies. Scientists have already begun its deciphering.