Il Duomo Milano Italy

Milano Il Duomo (the Duomo)

The Duomo, which traditionally symbolizes the city of Milano, is the most extraordinary example of Italian late Gothic art. The Duomo ranks third in terms of dimension after the Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in Rome and Seville's Cathedral. Located in the very heart of the city it represents both the core of the city and the unavoidable destination of countless visitors from Italy and abroad.

Milano Il Duomo: as seen by Mark Twain

The construction of the Duomo began in 1386 promoted by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, lord of Milano, and continued for centuries.

The Duomo is entirely covered from its base with pinkish-white marble. In the facade five large portals are inserted carrying high-reliefs illustrating sacred and historical scenes such as "The life of Sant'Ambrogio". Wide slabs of marble make up the roof of the Duomo which can be reached by a steep external staircase, consisting of 919 steps, carved between the left side and the transept.

From the Duomo roof - Photo © Javier

The effort of "climbing" the Duomo is highly rewarded by the magnificent view of the surrounding plain up to the Alps; should the weather be ungenerous it will still be possible to enjoy the vision of the "Madonnina", the golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the 135 lace-like spires and the many statues which decorate the roof. There are also two elevators that can be used to avoid most of the climbing effort, they are on the left and right side in the rear of the Duomo.

On entering the majestic interior of the cross-shaped cathedral of the Duomo, the sight is captured by the polychrome stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of the saints. The eight naves of the Duomo are divided by 52 gigantic pillars topped by a series of niches with statues.

Piazza Duomo: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Palazzo Reale

Text Courtesy of Welcome to Milano - By the Town Turist Office

© 1997-2010 Enrico Massetti
TangoItalia - Food, Wine, Travel, and... tango in Italy.