A vision in pink Candoglia marble, this famed cathedral embodies Milan’s ambition.
Begun by Giangaleazzo Visconti in 1387, its design was thought unfeasible. Canals were dug to transport the vast quantities of marble, and new technologies were invented to cater for the never-before-attempted scale. Now it's pearly white facade and extravagant details are Milan's crown attraction.
The Facade
During his stint as king of Italy, Napoleon offered to fund the Duomo’s completion in 1805, in time for his coronation. The architect piled on the neo-Gothic details, a homage to the original design that displayed a prescient use of fashion logic – ie everything old is new again. The petrified pinnacles, cusps, buttresses, arches and more than 3000 statues are almost all products of the 19th century.
Roof Terraces
Climb to the roof terraces where you’ll be within touching distance of the elaborate 135 spires and their forest of flying buttresses. In the center of the roof rises the 15th-century octagonal lantern and spire, on top of which is the golden Madonnina (erected in 1774).
Interior
Initially designed to accommodate Milan’s then population of around 40,000, the cathedral’s over-the-top and sublimely spiritual architecture can transport 21st-century types back to a medieval mindset. Once your eyes have adjusted to the subdued light and surreal proportions inside, stare up, and up, to the enormous stained-glass windows, with 144 panes illuminating stories from the Bible.
