Milan Cathedral — a symbol of Gothic architecture and interesting facts about it

Milan Cathedral, or the Duomo, is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and the symbol of the city of Milan.

The construction of this grand structure began in 1386 and continued for almost six centuries, making it a true treasure trove of history and architecture.

What to See as a Tourist

• Main facade: The elegant and majestic facade of the cathedral is adorned with countless statues and sculptures, each telling its own story. The facade is made of white marble, giving the cathedral a unique appearance on sunny days.
• Interior of the cathedral: Inside, the cathedral amazes with its high ceilings, stained glass windows, and statues. Special attention is drawn to the statue of St. Bartholomew by Marco d’Agrate, depicting the saint in anatomical detail.
• Rooftop of the cathedral: One of the most thrilling experiences is the opportunity to climb to the rooftop of the Duomo. From there, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Milan and see the unique Gothic spires and statues up close.
• Golden Madonna (Madonnina): Atop the highest spire of the cathedral stands the statue of the Virgin Mary, covered in gold. This statue has become a symbol of Milan, and the locals hold her image in high regard.
• Underground of the cathedral: Descend beneath the cathedral to see the ruins of ancient temples on which the Duomo was built. The remains of St. Charles Borromeo are also located here.

5 Interesting Facts About Milan Cathedral

1. Long construction: The construction of Milan Cathedral took over 600 years. It was fully completed only in 1965, although the first service was held back in 1418.
2. More than 3,000 statues: The cathedral is adorned with more than 3,400 statues, including gargoyles, saints, and biblical scenes. This makes it one of the most richly decorated cathedrals in the world.
3. Rooftop area: The cathedral’s rooftop is a true walking area. Tourists can freely stroll across it, enjoying views of the city and admiring the Gothic spires.
4. Unique solar clock system: Inside the cathedral, there is an ancient solar clock system installed in the 18th century. These clocks still work, marking astronomical time using sunlight.
5. The largest in Italy: Milan Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Italy and ranks second in size among all Catholic cathedrals worldwide, surpassed only by St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

For the construction of Milan Cathedral, a special white-pink marble from the Candoglia quarry, near Lake Maggiore, was used. A special network of canals was built to transport this marble to Milan, significantly speeding up construction.

In 2020, a major renovation of the cathedral’s spires was completed. This was part of a long-term program to maintain the unique Gothic architecture and restore more than 130 spires, some of which had suffered from time and weather conditions.

Milan Cathedral is not only an architectural masterpiece but also an important cultural and historical monument.

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