Duomo Milano, the third largest catholic church in the world

Aug

City Guide

Duomo Milano, the third largest catholic church in the world

The third largest catholic church, behind St. Peter’s in Roma and the Seville’s cathedral, is one of the most impressive views you can have, Duomo Milano! Milan’s Cathedral, is located on the Piazza Duomo Milan. It’s the result of 500 years of construction – started with brick, evolved to marble and was later adorned with Gothic spires and statues, by several artists.

The building gathers very different architectonic styles, as a result of a combination between Lombard architects and French and German stone-cutters.

Duomo Milano construction began in 1386 by order of Bishop Antonio da Saluzzo, but constant setbacks kept the project on permanent standby, until early 19th century, when the façade was built by order of Napoleon, before crowning himself King of Italy in 1805.

Taking the lift on the back the Duomo Milano allows to appreciate the statues and spires, as well as the alps on clear days, making this a breathtaking experience. This roof visit also brings you closer to the Madonnina, a copper figure of Mary on the highest spire.

Inside the building you can see 52 pillars, representing the weeks of the year, a sundial installed in 1768 – so precise that it was used to regulate clocks throughout the city. In the chapels on the interior you will find sarcophagus and stained-glass windows with scenes from the life of Christ.

As points of interest, you can also find a nail allegedly from the Cross, a lifelike statue os St. Bartholomew carved by a student of Leonardo da Vinci, stained glass, a sculpture depicting the life of St. Ambrose, the martyred saints and the Milanese bishops Anatalone and Galdino.