Vigevano faetures the unique in Europe road covered with roof, a secret defence passage
connecting the two palaces of Visconti family.
Strada Coperta in Vigevano
In 1341 ruler of Milan and former mayor of Vigevano, Luchino Visconti decided to build a fortress situated outside of Vigevano, which soon became a part of larger chain of outposts protecting the Duchy of Milan.
The old castle in the centre of Vigevano has became refurbished and renowated to became the proper residence of Visconti family. The new fortress has been located in some distance to the old one, and in 1347 the new tunnel connected two properties, giving the possibility to the ruler to move between his properties unseen by villagers. The solid walls on both sides of the tunnel could consist the solid escape route in case of a sudden rampart.
The entry to the road leads through the defence tower, and the whole tunnel is 167 m long and seven wide. It connects Old Fortress with ‘Palazzo delle Dame’ ( built around 1490 by Donato Bramante) .The tunnel became known as ‘strada coperta’ – the covered road, as the wooden ceiling covers the whole length of the road.
Read more about Vigevano Castle
[ Photo courtesy of Stefano Cobianchi ]
