The Duomo Milan Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and one of the largest religious buildings in Italy. Art, History, Sacredness, and Beauty – a combination hard to find elsewhere. The panoramic terraces offer breathtaking views of the city.
The Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral), whose full name is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the largest church in Italy (excluding St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, which is located in a sovereign state) and the third largest in the world.
Dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente, its grandeur and beauty reflect the city of Milan’s international importance.
Made primarily of Candoglia marble, transported along specially created canals, it measures 157 meters long, 92 meters wide, and the largest spire reaches 108.5 meters high. Construction took approximately 600 years.
The Cathedral alone is worth a visit for its majestic architecture, history, art, and atmosphere.
INTERIOR
The interior, which is Free to enter, is divided into five Naves, with stained Glass windows, monumental Altars, and a Crypt housing the remains of Saint Charles Borromeo.
Naves and Columns
You’re struck by the height of the vaults and the solemn atmosphere. The enormous Columns (52 in total) symbolize the Weeks of the Year.
Stained Glass Windows
It has the largest surface area in the world of stained glass windows, mostly from the 15th and 16th centuries. Those in the apse are the oldest.
Saint Bartholomew Flayed
An impressive and highly realistic statue, depicting the Saint with his own skin draped over his shoulders.
Colossal statue (over 3 meters tall) of the Holy Martyr depicted naked, with his flayed skin draped over his shoulders like a cloak, revealing the muscles beneath. Work by Marco d’Agrate (1562), in Candoglia marble.
A Renaissance anatomical masterpiece, but also a “horror” work that amazes visitors with its crude realism.
Crypt of San Carlo
Beneath the high altar is the Crypt of San Carlo Borromeo, which houses his remains.
TERRACES
The Most spectacular Experience! You can go up on foot (stairs) or by elevator.
The first level of the walkways allows us to walk the complete tour of the monument, offering unique views of the metropolis.
Continuing, two staircases lead to the second level, 45 meters above ground, the highest point accessible to the public, where the Central Terrace opens up to its full extent, corresponding to the surface area of the main nave of the Cathedral.
Forest of Spires and Gargoyles
You will stroll among the 135 Spires, admiring up close the countless Statues, Gargoyles, and architectural details.
The Main Spire and the Madunina
The main spire is topped by the famous Madunina, which has become the protective symbol of Milan.
The famous Lantern
The complex octagonal structure that surrounds and supports the dome just above the high altar area
Panoramic view
From the terraces you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and, on clear days, the Alps.
Curiosities and Unusual Sculptures
The Solar Sundial
Just past the entrance, there is a sundial built by astronomers that receives a ray of sunlight projected from a hole in the vault.
At noon, a ray of sunlight passes through the hole, creating a point of light that projects onto the brass line on the floor
On either side of the line are marble panels depicting the twelve zodiac signs, which facilitate the reading of the seasons.
The Italian “Statue of Liberty” – “The New Law”
Main facade, accessible from the ground or from the terraces.
A female figure with a raised torch in her right hand and a head surrounded by rays, placed on the central balcony of the main facade, above the entrance door (left side). Sculpted in 1810 by Camillo Pacetti in neoclassical style, it symbolizes Napoleon’s new law.
Possible inspiration for the famous Statue of Liberty in New York (1886, by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi). Legend has it that Bartholdi saw it during a trip to Italy and reinterpreted it as a symbol of immigrant freedom. Standing about 2 meters tall, it bridges Milanese and American history.
The Tarantasio Dragon
The “Tender” Monster of the City, central right portal, on the frieze of the main door (exterior, at eye level).
A mythological Dragon carved into the marble of the main portal, with wings and claws, but depicted in an almost cartoonish manner, with a comical expression. Legend has it that Tarantasio terrorized Milan in the 4th century, devouring Christians, until he was defeated by Saint Ambrose.
Boxers
Roof terraces, side spire area. Two statues depicting famous Italian boxers Primo Carnera and Erminio Spalla in fighting pose.
The Moon over the Cathedral
The statue of the Madonnina illuminated at night stands out against the starry sky and the moon, creating an even more evocative vision than the full moon.
Museum and Archaeological Area
The Duomo Museum tells the thousand-year history of the cathedral’s construction through models, sculptures, and sacred furnishings, while the Archaeological Area and the Early Christian Baptisteries beneath Milan Cathedral offer a fascinating insight into the city’s early Christian history.
Admission to the cathedral interior is Free.
To visit the Terraces, the Museum, and the Archaeological Area, you must purchase a ticket.
Milan Duomo Cathedral
Duomo Square
Milan
Lombardy – Italy
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