« I know how to divert rivers, to make water flow where it has never passed before, build underground noiselessly, lay siege to any fortress. I fear comparison with no one whether in painting, mathematics, anatomy, sculpture or hydraulics…”
That’s how I present myself, with great modesty…
I am an Italian Maestro, summoned to France by a friend, King François. I left my country to oversee architectural projects, for sure, but I also have the task of creating a canal from Tours to Lyon to join the Loire to the Rhone, and hence to the Mediterranean.
I certainly don’t lack work at Clos Lucé d’Amboise where the king has set up my residence. His Majesty often visits ti discuss with me the new project for a chateau at Chambord, in the forest of his childhood.
Nevertheless, we do not know who designed it. The construction of the Chateau of Chambord began in September 1519, a few months after my death; still the question remains as to whether I played a part in this fantastic project.
I confess that I very much enjoy this mystery so don’t count on me for even the smallest revelation.
Well, I’ll give you a tiny clue – at the centre of the chateau there is a marvellous ‘’double’’ staircase. If you look carefully amongst my drawings you’ll maybe notice that I had a great interest in staircases with double and quadruple ramps…apart from that, my role in the design of Chambord remains an enigma.