Duomo Milano . - Duomo Milano

Milan Cathedral, known as Duomo di Milano in Italian, is a large Gothic cathedral located in the center of Milan. It is 515 ft (157 meters) long and 302 ft (92 m) wide. It can hold up to 40,000 people. Il Duomo di Milano is one of the largest Catholic churches in the world.

The site where the Church is now located was formerly the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio. In 838, the Basilica di Santa Tecla was founded next to the first church, but in 1075 a fire destroyed both buildings and a few centuries later the Duomo was founded on the same site.

Construction of the Milan Cathedral began in 1386, coinciding with Gian Galeazzo Visconti's coming to power. The aim of this impressive building is to modernize the area and celebrate the territorial expansion of Visconti.

The church took five centuries to complete. During this time, various architects, sculptors and artists contributed to the famous building program known as "Fabbrica del Duomo". The result is an impressive and unique piece of architecture that combines the international Gothic style with that of Roman Romanesque.

The structure is covered with white and pink marble from the Candoglia quarry in Val D'Ossola. The roof of the Holy Church is covered in spires and spires with sculptures overlooking the city.

On the temple's tallest spire is the Madonnina, a gilded bronze statue, sculpted by Giuseppe Perego in 1774. Over the years, it has become a symbol of Milan.

Milan Cathedral is a vast structure made from large slabs of dark marble. The interior is elegant and dignified thanks to the large marble columns carved into the ceiling.

Large paintings adorn the walls of the temple, representing biblical scenes, and the skeletons of various saints are housed in glass boxes spread throughout the building, all dressed in fine costumes. best.

Some of the highlights of the Cathedral are the highlight of the statue of Bartholomew the Apostle, the patron saint of the tanners. The saint is depicted with the skin hanging over his shoulders as an allusion to the martyrdom he suffered.

One of the most precious objects housed in the Duomo is in the dome behind the altar, it is one of the nails used in the Feast of the Crucifixion of Christ. It is exposed to the public only once a year, on the Saturday closest to September 14.

The terrace is practically as wide as the roof of the cathedral. Tourists can climb to the top and walk along the terrace, while you enjoy one of Milan's best panoramic vistas. It was interesting to see the sculpture of the roof from up close.

You can climb to the top on foot (the stairs are quite comfortable), or you get up using the lift, but you'll need to pay a surplus.

The crypt is located in the Chapel of Saint Charles Borromeo, where his remains are buried. You can also visit the Church Treasure, although in our opinion it is not very interesting and there is very little to see.

Under the Duomo, visitors can climb down the archaeological ruins to see the remains of the Basilica di Santa Tecla and the ruins of a Christian baptistry from the fourth century. In the center of this building you will see the remains of a large octagonal baptismal font, according to legend, Saint Ambroise baptized Saint Augustin in 387.

Il Duomo di Milano is one of the most important attractions in Milan and well worth a visit. Furthermore, climbing to the top of the terrace offers breathtaking views of the city. However, the Treasure is not recommended like other parts of the Church.

Remember that even if you are visiting the city in the summer and it is very hot, you will need to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, or you will most likely not be allowed in.

Business hours:

Church: Every day from 8 am - 7 pm

Museum: Thursday to Tuesday, 10am to 6pm

Baptistery: Every day from 9am to 6pm

Archaeological Site: Every day from 9am to 7pm

Terrace: Daily from 9am to 7pm

Santa Maria Annunciata in the Cemetery: Monday - Friday: 12:30pm - 2pm

Fare:

Churches and Museums:

Adults: €2 (US$2.2)

Children under 6 years old: free

Archaeological site:

Adults: €4 (US$4.3)

Under 26: €2 (US$2.2)

Terrace:

elevator:

Adult: €13 (US$14.1)

Children from 6 to 12: 7€ (US$7.6)

Stair:

Adults: €8 (US$8.7)

Children from 6 to 12: 4€ (US$4.3)

Free for children under 6 years old.