The majestic cathedral rising on main square- one of the most visited tourist sites in Milan, which has long become a unique business card cities. The construction of this grandiose architectural structure began in 1386 and lasted almost six centuries, and some details were completed only by 1965.
Like many temples, the Milan Cathedral, or, as it is also called, the Duomo Cathedral, was founded on the site of an ancient destroyed church. Originally there was a Celtic sanctuary, then the Temple of Minerva, the Church of Santa Tecla and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
History of Milan Cathedral
The creator of the project was the Italian Simone de Orsenigo, and Gothic experts from Germany and France were invited to build the first cathedral in Europe in the Gothic style.
The main architects of the cathedral endlessly replaced each other, until in 1470 this post was taken by Guniforte Solari, who invited Leonardo and Bramante as consultants. Frequent changes of architects led to a mixture of styles - the Gothic was partially diluted by the Renaissance.
Construction of the Milan Cathedral began in 1386
Initially, a three-nave building with two burnt brick chapels was planned, but plans soon changed, thanks to which today the heart of Milan adorns huge cathedral with many columns and spiers, made of white Cantolian marble. To transport heavy marble slabs, special channels were built leading from the quarry to the center of Milan.
Due to lack of funds, construction was stopped several times, then resumed again. The main altar of the then unfinished temple was consecrated in 1417, but it was opened to parishioners only in 1572.
The height of the spire with the statue of the Virgin Mary is 105 meters
The modernization of the cathedral continued until the 20th century: at the beginning of the 14th century the dome was finally decorated, by the middle of the century an organ was installed, in 1769 the first spire, decorated with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, was built in 1813.
BlogoItaliano wrote in more detail about the history of the construction of the Cathedral in the article.
The Milan Cathedral is the fifth largest in the world and the fourth largest in Europe. In terms of capacity, the Duomo is second only to the Seville Cathedral in Spain; if all the benches were removed, 40 thousand people could be accommodated inside.
From a great height, the cathedral building looks like a Catholic cross with a vertical line 158 meters long and a horizontal line 92 meters long.
The cathedral is decorated with 135 spiers reaching into the sky, the tallest is the spire with a statue of the Virgin Mary, its height is 105 meters.
In the interior, on the facades and spiers of the Milan Cathedral, there are 3,400 statues - these include images of saints, martyrs and prophets, and famous historical figures, and Gothic characters - chimeras and gargoyles. One of the walls is decorated with a sculpture that became the prototype of the American Statue of Liberty.
The main shrine of the Cathedral is the nail with which Christ was crucified
The main shrine of the cathedral is the nail with which Christ was crucified. Every year on the Day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14), the Archbishop of Milan removes the nail from its place under the dome to demonstrate the relic to parishioners.
Inside the cathedral, frescoes from the 15th century, paintings by Italian masters of the 16th-17th centuries dedicated to religious themes, and fragments of ancient buildings that existed on this site before the Duomo have been preserved.
The cathedral has a sundial installed at the end of the 18th century. They are a metal strip stretching along the floor of the cathedral from the entrance through the entire room. This clock not only indicates the onset of noon; thanks to errors in its readings, in the 20th century it was discovered that the foundation of the building began to sag over time.
The facades of the Cathedral are decorated with images of saints, martyrs and prophets
There are observation platforms on the roof, where visitors have the opportunity not only to admire beautiful views Milan, but also to appreciate the elegance of the spiers and the sculptures decorating them up close.
In May 1805, the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte, who ascended the throne of Italy, took place in the Milan Cathedral. To commemorate this event, one of the spiers was decorated with a statue of the emperor.
Today the cathedral is the center of not only religious, but also cultural life fashionable capital - concerts of both sacred and ordinary secular music are often organized here.
Tickets and opening hours
The cathedral is open to visitors every day, except January 1, May 1 and Christmas Day from 8 am to 7 pm; the last tourists are allowed in no later than 50 minutes before closing.
Since 2015, visiting the Cathedral has become paid. The most budget ticket costs 3 Euros and with it you can also see the Church of San Gottardo and the Cathedral Museum. For children from 6 to 12 years old, a visit is cheaper - 2 Euros, and for children under 6 years old - free.
In addition to regular tickets, there is also the possibility of visiting, which additionally includes the Archaeological Zone of the Duomo, but tickets for this option are more expensive - 7 Euros.
The Cathedral is decorated with 135 spiers reaching into the sky
Many travelers who come to Milan want to go up to the famous terrace of the Cathedral to get a bird's eye view of the city center. There is a separate fee for this, and the cost of tickets depends on which way you want to go upstairs - by stairs or by elevator.
Prices for adults are 9 (by steps) and 13 Euro (by elevator). For children from 6 to 12 years old – 4.5 and 7 Euros, respectively. Children under 6 years old are free.
Finally, those who are not ready to waste time in several queues at once and want to see everything at once can purchase a Duomo Pass. It allows you to see the Cathedral, San Gottardo, the Duomo Museum and the terrace with the option of lift access. Check details and current cost of Duomo Pass
Milan Cathedral (Duomo) is a functioning church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where services are held for both Catholics and Russian parishioners Orthodox Church. The grandiose structure, lined with white Kandoli marble, amazes with its architectural splendor. Construction began in the Middle Ages and lasted 600 years, officially ending only in 1965.
The building can accommodate 40,000 people at a time.
Under the arched vault above the altar, a Christian shrine is kept - a nail from the crucifixion of Jesus. The relic is shown to believers once a year, on September 14. On this day, the Archbishop of Milan rises to the cross on a platform in the form of a cloud with angels. According to legend, the lifting mechanism was invented and painted by Leonardo Da Vinci.
History and architecture of Milan Cathedral
In the place where Milansky now rises Cathedral, from time immemorial, religious rituals have been performed. Before our era, there was a Celtic temple here, which was demolished by the ancient Romans to build the Temple of Minerva. After the fall of the Roman Empire, on the ruins of the ancient sanctuary stood the church of Santa Tecla (St. Thecla), destroyed by the ancient German tribe of Lombards and rebuilt again a couple of centuries later, but as the Basilica of the Virgin Mary of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The foundation of the Milan Cathedral was laid in 1386 by order of Duke Giangaleazzo Visconti. The change of eras introduced elements of the Renaissance into the original design of the Gothic temple. White marble with a pinkish tint from the Candoglia quarry was used for decoration.
On the facade, spiers and inside the building there are 3,400 sculptures depicting historical and biblical characters, cherubs, gargoyles and chimeras.
The central spire was crowned with a 4-meter figure of the Madonna in 1769, and since then there has been a law according to which no city building should be taller than the Holy Virgin. The exception to the rule was the Pirelli skyscraper, but an exact copy of the statue of Our Lady was installed on its top.
In 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte, a native of an Italo-Corsican family, was crowned king of Italy in the temple.
Bombing during World War II destroyed more than half of the city's buildings, but the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente miraculously survived.
The majestic complex of Cattedrale di Santa Maria Nascente is second in size only to three Christian churches in Europe: St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Seville Cathedral in Spanish Andalusia and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The architectural style of the Duomo Cathedral, which connected artistic traditions Middle Ages and the Renaissance, was called “flaming Gothic”.
Among the attractions of the temple, noteworthy are the astronomical clock on the floor, carved wooden choirs, a 5-meter candelabra from the 12th century and an Egyptian bath from the 4th century, which became a baptismal font.
Sacred nail (bridle)
The main shrine of the Milan Duomo is one of the nails brought from the Holy Land Equal to the Apostles Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. The nail from which the bridle for the imperial horse was made is located at a height of 42 m in a crystal ark with silver edges. The red light of the lamp indicates its location.
On the eve of the church holiday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Nivola ritual is performed. On this day, the Bishop of Milan rises to the tabernacle, then the relic is put on display for viewing under chants and prayers. The ceremony, accompanied by the sounds of an organ, is broadcast on monitors installed in the temple.
Stained glass
The Milan Cathedral is decorated with 45 stained glass panels, the oldest of which are more than 500 years old. Mosaic canvases depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, the Apocalypse and the life of Christ. The stained glass window above the small chapel of the cross is dedicated to the deeds of St. Helena.
Mausoleum of Gian Giacomo Medici
On the tombstone, between two figures personifying Peace and War, there is a sculpture of Giacomo Medici (1495-1555), nicknamed Medigino. Two angels hold a shield with the coat of arms of the Florentine Medici family. Tombstone The Italian commander and uncle of the saint, Carlo Borromeo, was created by the sculptor Leone Leoni (previously attributed to Michelangelo). The tomb was built by order of Pope Pius IY, brother of Giacomo. The mausoleum became one of the last burials inside the temple. Since the end of the 16th century, burial of the dead within the walls of the church has been prohibited in order to avoid epidemics.
Statue of Saint Bartholomew (Bartolomeo)
One of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ and the patron saint of fishermen died a martyr's death; his skin was removed during torture at the instigation of pagan priests. The sculptor achieved frightening naturalism: the martyr covers himself with his own skin like a cape, reminiscent of an exhibit in an anatomical museum. The author, feeling proud of his creation, carved the inscription on the pedestal: “It was not Praxiteles who created me, but Marco d’Agrate.”
Crypt
The temple contains the remains of the Archbishop of Milan, Carlo Boromeo, canonized. His name is associated with the city's deliverance from the plague epidemic that raged in Italy in 1575-1578. The Archbishop of Milan, risking infection, cared for the sick, performed funeral rites over the dead, and went into debt to feed the poor citizens. Carlo Boromeo ordered the removal of the sacred relic from the temple for the first time and personally led the penitential procession with the Holy Nail so that the terrible disease would recede. Access to the crypt is open from Monday to Friday from 11.00 to 17.30, on Saturday from 11.00 to 17.00, on Sunday from 13.30 to 15.30. Every year in November-December there is an exhibition of the quadroni of St. Carlo Borromeo. Italian painters captured scenes from the life of the archbishop in a series of 54 canvases.
Terrace
A special feature of the cathedral is a terrace with an observation deck, which can be reached by elevator or stairs. Once on the roof among 135 soaring spiers, you can not only enjoy stunning views of the city, but also take a closer look sculptural compositions of angels, humans and monsters.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Milano), located to the right of the facade of the Milan Cathedral, is the former residence of the rulers of the city, which now houses the Duomo Museum and the Chapel of San Gottardo in Corte.
The museum's exposition tells the story of the centuries-old history of the construction of the Duomo Cathedral from its foundation in 1386 to the 20th century. IN exhibition halls(there are 26 in total) there are icons, fragments of stained glass, paintings, tapestries and copies of statues decorating the cathedral. In addition to works of art, museum collection includes drawings, sketches, documents and artifacts related to historical dates.
Conditions for visiting the temple
At the entrance, personal belongings are scanned and searched. It is prohibited to bring sharp or glass objects, motorcycle helmets, or large bags. To visit the temple, choose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
Duomo tickets in Milan and opening hours
Milan's Duomo Cathedral is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. On church holidays there are special opening hours. Ticket sales stop an hour before closing, and visitors are admitted 50 minutes before closing. The temple is closed to tourists on Christmas and New Year, and also May 1st.
For €3 you can visit the cathedral, the Duomo Museum and the San Gottardo in Corte Church. Children under 6 years old are admitted free of charge. A ticket for children from 6 to 12 years old will cost 2 €. The museum and church are closed on Wednesdays.
For a fee of 2 € you can visit the treasury of the Duomo Cathedral, for 4 € - the Baptistery of St. Giovanni (6 € - with a visit to the excavations).
Entrance to the terraces is open from 9 to 19 only in the summer season (from May 16 to September 16). The elevators stop lifting passengers at 6:10 p.m.
The cost of a ticket to the terraces by walking up the stairs is 9 € for adults and 4.5 € for children from 6 to 12 years old, by elevator - 13 € and 7 € respectively. Keep your elevator ticket - you will need to present it to descend.
The Duomo Pass combination ticket includes the cathedral, terrace, Duomo Museum and archaeological area. The cost varies depending on the method of getting to the roof: by elevator (Duomo Pass A) - 16 € for adults and 8 € for children from 6 to 12 years old, on foot (Duomo Pass B) - 12 € for adults and 6 € for children.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased from the Info Point in the cathedral and from the Museo Duomo ticket office, located at the Royal Palace to the right of the Duomo.
Comprehensive tickets are not tied to a specific date and can be used on any day until the end of the year. Tickets are valid for 72 hours from the moment of activation (when the barcode is read at the entrance), the order of visiting the objects does not matter.
Audio guide rental inside the cathedral - 9€.
As of March 27, 2018, the new Fast-Track Ticket service is available, allowing you to reduce waiting times in line with a privileged security check lane every day from 10:00 to 17:00 ( last ticket sold at 16:50).
The Fast-Track ticket costs €22.5 and includes access to the cathedral, the Church of San Gottardo and the area archaeological excavations Baptistery of San Giovanni el Fonti through the group entrance.
Benefits for tourists who have purchased a Fast-Track ticket:
You can visit the cathedral in Milan either independently or by purchasing.
Address: Duomo di Milano Piazza del Duomo, Milano, Italy. Opening hours: Cathedral - daily from 08:30 to 18:00. Terraces: April - October from 09:00 to 21:30 (lift until 20:45); November - April from 09:00 to 19:00 (lift until 18:15). How to get there: Duomo metro station (red metro line M1). Cost of visiting: Cathedral - free; Terraces - lift 12 EUR (children 6 EUR), stairs 7 EUR (children 3.5 EUR). The ticket office closes 1 hour before the terraces close.
The white marble wonder of Milan - the Duomo Cathedral
Stringing the past onto the universal thread of memory: sunrises without blessing, days without repentance, nights without forgiveness, we turn our gaze to the heavens, hoping to find understanding. Kneeling down, lowering our gray head, we cry out for help, looking for a mediator who knows how to find words of consolation, bring us closer to the Creator, and convey our inept prayers. Then the sensitive, earthly, understandable Mary comes to the sick, weak, and needy, who gave birth to the Son of God, survived his painful death, forgave everyone, and asks for us sinners. Many churches are dedicated to it, from where the most militant materialist, a convinced atheist, comes out cleansed, renewed, confused, believing in the one Lord. One of them - Duomo in Milan.
The history of the creation of the Duomo
According to a decree issued in 1769, it was forbidden to build buildings exceeding the height of this outlandish Cathedral, visible from the most remote corners of the city. All the streets of the unofficial capital of Italy lead here - to a huge divine ship that has descended to earth.
It took too long to build. The foundation was laid during the dark Middle Ages (1386), completed not so long ago - in the crazy 20th century. (1965). At the site of construction, in ancient times, the Celts prayed to their gods here. The conquering Romans erected a temple of Minerva on the ancient temple, offering donations and praising the wisdom of the warrior. 
In early Christian times (IV - VI centuries) the Basilica of Santa Tecla stood here, later - Santa Maria Maggiore. The idea to build a grandiose structure required clearing the territory, so the obstacle was demolished. Practical Italians left separate blocks for the foundation, while carefully preserving the baptistery, dating back to 335. It can now be viewed by going down to the basement. This is one of the oldest baptismal premises in Europe. There is a porphyry bathtub from Egypt (IV century) used as a font.
Gian Galeazzo, the Duke of Milan from the Visconti family, who wanted to strengthen the influence of Milan in the religious sphere, began to speed up construction. He even exempted construction materials intended for the majestic building from taxes. The plague and lack of finances hampered the construction of God's house. Over the course of 10 years, architects and specialists in Gothic style, which is uncharacteristic for the country, changed. The French and Germans alternated, as if in a kaleidoscope, preserving the original project of Simone de Orsenig. However, things moved very slowly.
Guniforte Solari invites unsurpassed masters of the Renaissance as consultants: Bramante and the dreamer, engineer, designer Leonardo da Vinci (1470). They proposed diluting the Gothic style with the Renaissance one, which gave birth to an octagonal dome and smiling, plump-cheeked angels on the façade. 
The functioning of the unfinished cathedral dates back to the end of the 15th century. Its discovery was announced by Carlo Barromeo, who was recognized as a saint (1572). The basilica is 158 m long, 92 m wide, 106 m high, and can accommodate 40,000 people. XIX century brought serious shocks and reconstruction to the main religious building. Napoleon came to power and wanted to be crowned here. Future Emperor commissioned the brilliant Amati to finalize the façade facing the square for the day of the solemn ceremony, which took place on May 20, 1805.
The building has undergone many changes and restorations. The finishing touch, marking the completion of the construction of the symbol of the state, was the fifth gate, opened on January 6. 1965 An innate sense of beauty allowed ambitious Italians to fully realize the idea of the founder of the building. Looking at the bas-reliefs and sculptural compositions, it is difficult to imagine that they were completed in the 20th century, although work continues today. A specialized factory with up to 500 workers is engaged in cleaning, cleaning, and maintaining the whiteness of the walls.
Unusual architecture
The unrivaled quality of the masterpiece leaves no one indifferent: whether you look from afar or come close, the feeling of unreality does not leave you. He was admired by Dostoevsky, Herzen, and Heine. Once, seeing him, Mark Twain could not contain his emotions, calling him “An airy miracle, a light vision, a hymn sung in stone, a poem in marble.” 
Flaming Gothic interspersed with neo-Gothic and Renaissance created, thanks to the persistent, titanic work of sculptors, stonemasons, polishers, glass blowers, an amazing mystical creation, soaring above the enchanted world of people. 135 lace openwork needles with unimaginable stucco molding rush skyward, piercing the blue Italian sky. Legendary heroes rise to the heights, historical figures, the righteous, as if bearing the demands of the Almighty. Surrounded by them, on the central spire, is the patroness of the city - Madonna, a 4-meter gilded bronze sculpture, blessing the townspeople, visitors, and parishioners.
On the balcony located above the main entrance there are two marble figures. One is crowned with a radiant crown, the second holds a torch. Once put together, you get the New York Statue of Liberty. There are 2,300 sculptures and a lot of compositions on the walls. Where else is there an opportunity to get closer and fall under the shadow of the outstretched hand of a saint, bestowing grace...
You can read the incorruptible Book of Genesis with your own eyes, endlessly peering into faces, examining wrinkles, lips, eyes, feeling the flutter of fabric under the shimmer of light. The Middle Ages cannot exist without gargoyles, fantastic animals, snakes; here there is an abundance of them. With their mouths open, most serve as drains, the rest serve as decoration; exploring this rare world is a great pleasure. Accessibility to touch, the magic of what is happening gives rise to illusion frosty pattern on the window glass: careless hot breath - everything will melt, disappear, disappear. However, the gates open, inviting you to enter the canopy.
Luxury interior
It is scary to step on the floor, which consists of large slabs laid out in intricate patterns, embodying the imagination of Pellegrino Tibaldi (producer of the project). Laying continued for 5 hundred years. Delicate white and pink marble was delivered from Candoglia, black was brought from Varenna, Arezzo was famous for its red. The beauty is incredible! 
The enormous space with a ceiling that is lost at an unimaginable height (45 m) is pressing. Multi-colored light bulbs illuminating it from below highlight numerous details from the darkness, giving the vault an eerie look. The intoxicating aroma of incense, the glow of thousands of candles, the uniform hum, make a person small, unnoticeable - a speck of dust on the road of the Universe.
52 graceful, slender columns stand like guards of eternity, recalling the number of weeks in a year. A metal ruler tape with images of zodiac signs stretches across the entire floor. A ray of sunshine, penetrating through the window, exactly at noon hits exactly the sign that marks the given month. An hourglass near a man-made meridian is indisputable proof of the transience of time. 1,100 sculptures serve as stunning decorations.
Lush picturesque altars, decorated with scenes from Holy Scripture, make the heart beat faster. Here - a little girl decisively rises high steps towards immortality, at the top the abbot and novices are waiting for her - Presentation of the Mother of God into the Temple (XVI century). Nearby are high reliefs illustrating the history of the life of the Blessed Virgin.
One of the treasures found inside is the statue of St. Bartholomew. “Praxiteles did not create you, but Marco d’Agrate,” wrote the creator, proud of the anatomical identity of the work with a living body. The blood runs cold looking at the martyr who has thrown his own skin over his shoulders, torn from him alive for preaching the Christian faith. 
A soft multicolored light flows through the stained glass windows, creating an atmosphere of mystery and solemnity. They were made in a special way using molten tinted glass. Technology helped preserve the oldest of them, donated by the college of notaries more than five centuries ago. The latter, presented by grateful parishioners (1988), depict the acts of archdeacons Schuster and Ferrari during the world wars.
The lives of St. Catherine, Helen, Christ, episodes of the Old and New Testaments, the Apocalypse, pass before believers on stained glass windows, lancet with amazing rosettes. The 5-meter bronze Trivulzio candelabra with gold trim (XII century) rests on 4 dragons, the leg is decorated with multiple characters from the Bible. It illuminates with a ghostly light an exclusive carved cycle from the life of St. Ambrose.
If you're lucky, you'll hear the sound of an organ. Giacomo Antegnati built 2 instruments consisting of 13,200 pipes, 180 registers (1552). Visiting the shrine in November-December, you will enjoy contemplating a number of paintings dedicated to the Monk St. Borromeo. Every year, at this time, 54 tempera canvases are hung inside. 28 paintings (4.75 x 6 m) capture the life of His Beatitude, another 26 (2.4 x 3.6 m) reflect miraculous healings, taking place at his relics.
To avoid the spread of epidemics, almost all the tombs were taken out, only a few remained. The Medici tomb amazes with allegorical figures of War and Peace. Between them is Giacomo himself, the greatest philanthropist, patron of artists (author Leone Leoni). The sarcophagus of Alberto de Intimiano is kept in a cabinet surrounded by hundreds of the finest copper plates folded in the shape of a crucifix.
The precious relic lying in a crystal vase under the ceiling is a nail from the cross of Calvary, found by St. Helen, mother of Constantine the Great. She found three of them: the first was thrown into the depths of the sea to calm the storm, the second was given to Mons, the third was knocked out by the horseshoe of the imperial horse. The nail was lost, eventually discovered by Ambrose, bought from the blacksmith, and placed in the Duomo. Only on September 14 it is put on display. A special mechanism, created by the genius of Leonardo, lifts the priest to the apse with the tabernacle, allowing him to get the priceless attribute.
Promised Heaven
Confusion of feelings engulfs even an inveterate heretic. Quiet, enlightened, he will risk climbing another 160 steps up to find himself next to cherubs, unprecedented animals, to visit another dimension. 
On the one hand - the shining Alps, on the other - a noisy city, tiny people swarming below like ants. Very close - everyone's favorite "Madonna" (in Italian: Madonina).
It’s strange to walk through a stone forest with ornate passages, marvelous galleries, and staircases. Mythical monsters, birds, and mysterious creatures are much more impressive up close than from afar, from below. The best European creative figures made considerable efforts, producing them, populating the vastness, giving them a new existence - a transition to immortality. Modernity walks alongside the past, cherishing it, protecting it from destruction and oblivion. Today, at the cathedral, when dusk falls on the mortal earth, a light and sound show using 3D technology begins. I don’t have the strength to leave just like that; it’s impossible to tear this splendor, grandeur, and beauty out of my heart’s memory.
To say that the white-foamed marble miracle is the only Christian temple in the Gothic style, the 4th largest on the continent, the 5th most pompous and monumental on the planet is too little. It is better to remain silent, and certainly come back again, absorbing the sacrament of faith, absorbing the power of religion, strengthening the spirit.
One of the most famous monuments Italy is the Milan Cathedral. The majestic building, located in the very center of the city of the same name, amazes with its elegance of form and fundamentality at the same time. There are many interesting facts associated with the history of the cathedral.
Place and timing of construction
Milan was built over 4 centuries; not every world architectural monument can boast of such a significant time investment. The official start date for work was the distant year 1386. In the first half of the 19th century, all major activities were completed, but some work continued to be carried out at a later time. So, in 1965 the latest innovations were implemented. Since that time, the construction of the cathedral has been fully completed.
A special place was chosen for the construction of the cathedral. Over the course of several centuries, various sanctuaries, temples and churches were built here. The very first local building is considered to be a Celtic building, and several centuries later the Romans erected a temple of Minerva on the same site.
Reason for the construction of the cathedral
The fourteenth century was a difficult time for Italy and Europe. drowned in wars, famines and The construction of such a large cathedral became in its own way a symbol confirming the strength, power and fortress of the city of Milan and its inhabitants, who were not afraid of even the most terrible world troubles. The basilica, built in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, allowed residents to tirelessly pray to their patroness and not lose hope for the best. It is believed that the city is not allowed to build buildings higher than the highest point of the cathedral. To this day, the townspeople sacredly revere the image of the Mother of God and often come to the Duomo to pray to her.
Milan Cathedral in faces
The order to begin construction of the city's largest cathedral was given by Duke Giangaleazzo Visconti. The initial project was developed by local architect Simone de Orsenigo, then European specialists from France and Germany became involved in the work, which was quite rare for the construction of those times. The Italians considered immigrants from them to be barbarians who knew nothing about art. More than 10 famous architects and the same number of assistants supervised the building during its entire construction. For the construction of the cathedral, not only a style that was rare at that time was chosen, but also an unusual material - white marble. True, initially they planned to use brick for the construction of the cathedral, but later it was decided to abandon this idea.
Napoleon had a great influence on the construction of the Milan Duomo; thanks to his efforts, construction work was significantly accelerated. Perhaps that is why a statue of the famous emperor also decorated one of the spiers.
Features of the external decoration
The Milan Cathedral harmoniously absorbed many different architectural styles, the main one being the Gothic style. The building is decorated a huge amount details, here you can find carvings, sculptures, and sophisticated spiers rising into the Italian sky. One of the most notable statues is the beautiful Madonna, and it was in her honor that construction began. The figure, 4 meters high and weighing about a ton, is made of bronze and covered with gold. A recognizable element of the cathedral is the central roof with an endless number of spiers, built back in 1404 and perfectly preserved to this day.
From the roof of the Milan Cathedral there is an amazing view of the surrounding city. Having climbed to the upper platform of the building by stairs or elevator, you will be able to appreciate the gallery named after Victor Emmanuel II, the world-famous La Scala opera, and admire the amazing roofs of Milanese houses.
Features of the interior decoration
The Milan Cathedral is famous not only for its magnificent exterior, but also for its no less beautiful interior decoration. The basilica is significant in size and is considered to be the second largest in Italy. About 40 thousand people can be in the cathedral at the same time, the most high point reaches a mark of one hundred six and a half meters, the length of the building is 158 meters. The decoration of the cathedral is striking in its fundamentality and symbolism. There are 52 columns inside, corresponding to the number of weeks in the year. A special place among the objects of the basilica is occupied by one seemingly inconspicuous statue. in the Milan Cathedral is revered and loved by millions of Catholics. This great martyr suffered cruelly for his faith; his skin was torn off while still alive.
The Milan Cathedral in Italy has another world relic. Near the altar there is a nail, which, according to legend, was driven into the palm of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, the general public is given only one day a year to see it, September 14th. Tourists also quite often visit the Egyptian bathroom, where the baptism ceremony is held, numerous colorful choirs and the mausoleum-tomb of D. D. Medici.
The Duomo - Milan Cathedral - has one more feature. Near him central entrance arranged in the form of a metal strip.
What is unique about the Milan Cathedral?
The Milan Cathedral is unique in many ways, here are just a few facts by which one can judge its unusualness:
- the white marble from which the cathedral was built was not used for the construction of any other religious buildings in Europe;
- was the first to be planned and implemented in the unique architectural style of Flamboyant Gothic;
- is one of the largest in Italy and Europe;
- the construction was carried out not with the money of the church, but with donations from the nobility, which was quite unusual in those days;
- Architects from all over Europe took part in the design and construction;
- long construction period;
- Every year more than 700 thousand people come to Milan to admire the unusual beauty of the city's cathedral. Historical era forever left its mark on the majestic architecture of the Duomo, which absorbed the entire history of Italy and Milan.
Milan is somewhat reminiscent of Moscow: the same radial-ring principle of urban planning, according to which roads diverge from the center in different directions, simultaneously crossing the rings of former fortress walls. In the center of the city is the Most Important Square with the Most Important Building. In Milan, this is the Duomo Cathedral, located on the square of the same name. By the way, this city also has its own “Kremlin” - the Sforza Castle, in the image and likeness of which the Moscow one was built. One of the castle museums also houses part of the Duomo's treasures.
Among all the city's attractions, the cathedral occupies a special place. The point here is not only its popularity among tourists (every year up to 700,000 people climb to its terraces alone).
Duomo Cathedral in Milan- This is a unique building, which has no analogues. Firstly, this is the only Catholic church built of white marble. Secondly, it is the only Italian cathedral originally built in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Thirdly, it is the fifth largest temple in the world, capable of accommodating up to 40,000 people.
Duomo in Milan: Middle Ages and Renaissance
There has always been a square in the center of Milan, and there has always been a temple in this square. The Celts, who founded a settlement near the spurs of the Alps in the 7th century. BC, they built a sanctuary here. The Romans, who gave this settlement its name - Mediolanum - built the Temple of Minerva.
In the 4th century. on the ruins of this temple the Church of St. Tekla (Thekla) arose. After 2 centuries, the church was destroyed by the Lombards, and rebuilt again in the 7th century. as the Basilica of the Virgin Mary - Santa Maria Maggiore.
In the XIV century. almost all of Italy was exhausted by incessant wars and epidemics. But in order to show external and internal enemies that Milan is still one of the strongest and richest cities in Europe, Duke Giangaleazzo Visconti (1351-1402) ordered the construction of a cathedral of unprecedented beauty, size and... value on the main square.
Since in those days secular rulers were not authorized to give such orders regarding land owned by the Catholic Church, the order was signed by Bishop Antonio Saluzzo.
In the center of Milan there has always been a square where a temple has always stood
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore was demolished, and on May 23, 1386, construction of the cathedral began in the main square of the city, dedicated to Christmas Mother of God.
But an unprecedented thing: not recognized Italian architects, but German and French masters, were involved in the creation of the project. This has never happened before in history. After all, Italians have always been quite skeptical about “barbarian” Gothic, despite the fact that its first examples appeared thanks to the Normans back in the 11th century. However, already in 1387 the Italian Simone da Orsenigo was appointed chief engineer.
It was originally planned that the temple would be built from specially fired bricks; the remains of brickwork dating back to around the end of the 14th century remain to this day. But soon the Duke ordered the use of Cantolian marble from his own quarry near Lago Maggiore for construction.
To facilitate the transport of marble from the quarry to the construction site in Milan, deep channels were dug. The Duke did not take a penny from the Holy See for the material, but soon construction was stopped anyway due to the lack of the necessary funds from the church.
The spiritual authorities, despite all their influence, never found the opportunity to continue the construction of the temple. Duomo Cathedral in Milan had to be handed over to secular rulers, who were quickly able to collect appropriate tribute from wealthy citizens. Construction has resumed.
In 1417, the first consecration of the cathedral, or more precisely, its main altar, took place. The oldest stained glass windows created in Tyrol date back to approximately the same years.
The Duomo Cathedral is decorated with 45 huge stained glass panels
For almost a century, the design of the cathedral was carried out alternately by the Germans and the Italians, until in 1470 Gianiforte Solari, who gravitated towards Renaissance forms, was appointed chief architect. At the same time, he also carried out work on the construction of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. In 1492, the construction of this church was undertaken by Donato Bramante, who invited Leonardo to paint it.
It was Bramante and Leonardo, who was always interested in everything, and not just what he was working on at the time, who suggested Solari modernize the project.
So the Duomo Cathedral in Milan acquired an unusual octagonal dome. In 1572, the main construction was completed, after which the cathedral was solemnly consecrated by Cardinal Saint Carlo Borromeo (1538-1584), who, by the way, was buried in one of the cathedral crypts.
Duomo Cathedral in Milan: from modern times to the present day
The Duomo Cathedral in Milan acquired its modern appearance much later: in the 18th-19th centuries. In 1769, it was decorated with a 104 m high spire with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, 4.16 m high and weighing almost a ton. The townspeople immediately nicknamed her in their own manner - Madonnina ("Madonna"), and the Spanish Habsburgs, who ruled Milan in those years, immediately hastened to issue a decree according to which not a single building in the city should be higher than the spire of the cathedral.
Soon the Duomo Cathedral in Milan acquired another curiosity. The metal strip along the entrance is nothing more than an astronomical clock from the late 18th century. By the way, the columns of the temple are also a kind of “calendar”: there are 52 of them in total, according to the number of weeks in the year.
In 1769, the Cathedral was decorated with a hundred-meter spire with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary
The quaint openwork façade of the cathedral, which immediately attracts attention, is only worth seeing Duomo square in Milan, appeared thanks to Napoleon.
Napoleon, who by that time wished to become the king of Italy, decided that the coronation ceremony would take place in this cathedral. This is what happened in 1805. However, the famous “stone forest” in the neo-Gothic style (135 spiers) was completed only by 1813. The construction of the new facade was supervised by the architect Carlo Amati.
There are 2,300 statues on the outer walls and spiers of the Duomo
Work on decorating the cathedral continued until the 60s. last century. In the creation of stained glass and sculptures during the XV-XX centuries. almost all famous people took part Italian masters. Currently, there are 2,300 statues on its outer walls and spiers, and another 1,100 in the interior.
Duomo in sunny days, which are by no means uncommon in this city, is also a real “kaleidoscope”: its walls and architectural elements decorated with 45 huge stained glass panels.
Opening hours and tickets
The famous German romantic poet Heine believed that examining Duomo square in Milan and the cathedral is best clear moonlit night. It is on such a night that the white marble building looks truly beautiful.
It is impossible to check whether this is true or not in our time: the Duomo Cathedral in Milan, like thousands of other attractions around the world, is illuminated from all sides at night. The spectacle, however, is amazing. However, at night the cathedral is closed, and it’s better not to walk around the city alone at this time.
Every winter the quadroni of St. Carlo Borromeo are exhibited in the cathedral
The cathedral is also closed during Christmas, January 1 and May 1. On other days, access to the Duomo is possible from 8:00 to 19:00. Ticket price for adults is 3 Euros, for children from 6 to 12 years old – 2 Euros and under 6 years old – free.
With a ticket to the Duomo you can also see the Duomo Museum and the Church of San Gottardo.
There is a type of ticket that additionally includes the Archaeological Zone of the Duomo, but they cost more – 7 Euros. For visitors under 26 years of age there is a discount on these tickets - they will cost 3 Euros.
Tickets for the Milan Cathedral Terrace
Another popular attraction at the Cathedral is to get onto its terraces. The cost of a walk through the “stone forest” depends on whether you decide to climb to the roof via a spiral marble staircase (€9) or by elevator (€13). There is a discount for children from 6 to 12 years old - for them tickets will cost 4.5 and 7 Euros, respectively.
The terraces are open daily from 9:00 to 19:00, but the ticket office is open until 18:00, and the last visitors are admitted at 18:10.
Duomo Pass
You can combine a visit to the Cathedral and the Terrace using the Duomo Pass. It combines the benefits of an extended ticket for the Duomo (with access to the Archaeological Zone) as well as access to the Terrace by lift.
The main convenience of the Duomo Pass is the ability to avoid queues on site, which can sometimes be quite long. In addition, the Duomo Pass is issued without reference to the date and specific time of visit. That is, you can use it on any day convenient for you until the end of the year.
You can learn more about the Duomo Pass and purchase it online on this page.
How to get to the Duomo and notable events
The easiest way to get to Milan Cathedral- take the metro (“yellow” line 3) from (train station). The cathedral is located in the very center of the city, and the station you need is called Duomo.
If you are in Milan for just a few days, it may be more convenient to find a hotel in close proximity to the Duomo. Most large selection such hotels are possible