Milan, Italy: The Duomo (Cathedral) of Milan
About the Milan Cathedral:
The imposing structure that you see today is built over the remains of a smaller one, and is one of the largest Gothic Cathedrals in the world, surpassed in size only by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil, Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York and Seville’s Cathedral. It covers a a surface are of 109,641 square feet and an entire city block, its size is even more impressive considering it’s the oldest church on that list. It has the most statues
They say there are more statues on this gothic-style cathedral than any other building in the world. There are 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures that decorate Milan Duomo!
From the terrazza you have a view across the city of Milan and, on clear days, you can even see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.
Climb the stairs or take the lift to the rooftop to fully appreciate the architecture of the most renowned silhouette in the city. There is an admission charge….see their website.
You can also see the famous Madonnina, the gold-colored statue of Mary that stands on the cathedral’s highest spire. It is perhaps more impressive, architecturally, from the outside than within, but does contain some magnificent artwork and altars. Perhaps the most famous is the statue of “Saint Bartholomew Flayed”, created in 1562, by Marco d’Agrate.
In the crypt is the tomb of Saint Charles Borromeo, who, besides being Cardinal Archbishop of Milan, was a great reformer and helped to lead the counter-reformation. His tomb is one of the highlights of any visit to the Cathedral.
We celebrate the Feast of Saint Charles Borremeo on November 4.
Traveling to the Duomo in Milan, Italy:
The Duomo is centrally located in the city of Milan.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milan
GPS coordinates: 45° 27′ 51.0804” N, 9° 11′ 30.9948” E
Tel: +39 (02) 720 23375 Fax: +39 (02) 720 22419
email: info@duomomilano.it
Click here for the official website of the Duomo in Milan.
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