On the main square of Milan rises the main attraction of the city - the Duomo ( Duomo di Milano) or the Cathedral. This Cathedral is famous all over the world and is the fourth largest in Europe. The Milan Duomo is truly grandiose: decorated with white marble, decorated with hundreds of turrets, statues and carved cornices.
Milanese cathedral at the same time huge, majestic and lacy, soaring. I definitely recommend going up to the roof of the Duomo, because it offers a magnificent view of Milan, and you can also see elements of the architecture of the Cathedral.
How to get to Milan Cathedral (Milan Duomo)
Milan Cathedral is located in the historical part of Milan, a stone's throw from the Duomo metro station. This metro station can be reached by the yellow line M3 (convenient direct access from Milan Central Station - Milano Centrale) or the red line M1 (convenient direct access from another train station, Cadorna station). From Garibaldi station you need to take the green line M2 and change at Cadorna station to the red line M1 and get to Duomo station.
Opening hours of the Milan Cathedral and cost of entry, climbing to the roof
The cathedral is open daily from 7:00 to 19:00
Entrance to the Cathedral is free, photography costs 2 euros.
Access to the roof is possible from 9:00 to 19:00
You can get to the roof of the Cathedral by elevator (12 euros) or on foot along the stairs (67 euros).
Here's more detailed information (on the official website).
Milan Cathedral Map
Download map
History and architecture of Milan Cathedral
Like most significant Cathedrals in Europe, the Milan Duomo was not built “in an open field,” but on the site of a destroyed basilica (and before it there were Celtic and Roman sanctuaries). Construction of the new Cathedral began in 1386 after a severe fire in the basilica, and was completed only in 1880. Several centuries of construction could not but affect the architectural appearance of the Cathedral: from Gothic to elements inherent in the Renaissance, classicism, and modernity. But still, the Duomo style is usually called flaming Gothic.
Gothic architecture arose in France due to economic development, as a result of which socio-political trends came to the fore.
The first example of Gothic elements can be seen in a church from the period of Romanesque maturity, this is a reconstruction (c. 1140) of the abbey church of Saint Denis, commissioned by Suger Abbott. Soon, the Gothic style of the Ile-de-France spread throughout France, Germany and the Czech Republic, and then to England and Spain. In Italy, Gothic appeared in central regions almost a century later, mainly in Tuscany and Umbria, but in a more balanced form and with an emphasis on decorative display of subjects that looked less dramatic.
The construction of the Duomo in Milan was in full swing when the fashion for Gothic appeared; it was built in accordance with the stylistic features of Lombardy Gothic.
In the second half of 1387, Prince Gian Galeazzo Visconti decided to personally supervise the project, because the Duomo was to become a symbol of his rule, setting an example for the rest of the churches of Europe.
Over the course of about twenty years, hundreds and hundreds of foreigners joined the local workers, making suggestions based on their experience. This is how the unique Gothic style of the cathedral arose.
The Duomo became a place where different European cultures mixed together.
During those years there was a massive immigration of thousands of workers from north to south to contribute to the construction of Milan Cathedral, which for this reason can be considered the most European of all Gothic cathedrals.
There is a legend that the Milan Cathedral was built in honor of the Madonna, who helped save the women of Milan from infertility. Or to be more precise, from the widespread birth of girls.
Climbing to the roof of Milan Cathedral
Despite the fact that we only had a few hours to walk in Milan, I was determined to climb to the roof of the Cathedral.
You can get to the roof on foot, or you can play around and take a ride in the elevator. In order to find the entrance to the elevator, you need to start walking around the Cathedral from the central facade on the left or right sides (if you are facing it). Just around the corner you will see an entrance with a cash register. If you want to go up on foot, you need to go along the right side of the main facade (download the map)
The roof of Milan's Duomo is a huge, multi-tiered space, so set aside at least 40 minutes for it.
It’s very cool to walk along the lacy turrets of the Cathedral and look at the sculptures up close.
The chimeras at the Cathedral are simply beautiful
Duomo (Italy) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
- Tours for May to Italy
- Last minute tours to Italy
Previous photo Next photo
It is probably difficult to meet a person who would be indifferent to the luxurious Gothic building of the Milan Cathedral. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Nascente (or simply Duomo) is the largest in the world, it can accommodate up to forty thousand people at a time, and it has no equal in the beauty of its external and internal decoration.
The cathedral is located on the main square of Milan, and if you look at the city from a bird's eye view, it is this building that first catches your eye; all the old Milanese streets lead to it.
A little history
The Duomo (translated from Italian as cathedral) began to be built at the dawn of the 14th century, and the grandiose construction was completed only in 1813. But the project for its construction has not changed, which is why the building is so harmonious. It represents best example gothic style, which cannot be surpassed.
Architecture of the Duomo
Absolutely everything in the appearance of the cathedral is striking - more than a hundred spiers, the main one of which is crowned with the figure of the Madonna - heavenly patroness Milan, thousands of sculptural compositions on marble walls, illustrating biblical scenes, scenes from the lives of saints, and there are also images of angels and even fantastic, unprecedented animals. The beauty and grandeur of these creations simply cannot be expressed in words.
Cathedral interiors
But the Duomo is even more impressive for its interior decoration. Once inside the cathedral, you lose your sense of reality; it seems that the ceilings and arches cannot be so high, the columns so graceful and powerful at the same time, and the walls so skillfully decorated. Special attention The stained glass windows are of extraordinary beauty; they create a special atmosphere of solemnity and at the same time mystery. Amazingly, the oldest of them is more than five centuries old.
Also inside the cathedral it is impossible not to notice the figure of St. Bartholomew, the patron saint of all fishermen, who died a martyr's death - he was skinned alive. The sculptor Marco d'Agrate was able to achieve maximum anatomical similarity in his work, and this sculpture looks simply unrealistically believable. It is also interesting to look at the tombstones of saints, decorated wooden slabs, on which pictures from the life of St. Ambrose are carved, count the names of all the archbishops of Milan since the 1st century, carved in stone, or listen to one of the best organs in the world.
In conclusion, you should definitely climb onto the roof of the cathedral (this can be done either along the ancient stairs or via the elevator), the view from there is simply fantastic.
The cathedral is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00 with a break from 12:00 to 14:30, admission is free.
When a person comes to Milan as a tourist, on business or for shopping, he is inevitably destined to find himself in the main and central square of the city, the Cathedral Square. This square is the heart of the city in all respects, because if you stick an imaginary compass into this point, it will outline perfect circle, which will be the medieval center of the city. But all these considerations fade into the background when actually meeting this marble miracle hovering above the earth, which is already almost 7 centuries old. In 1386, the first stone was laid for this most important Gothic cathedral in Italy, the third largest church in the entire Catholic world. Only St. Cathedral is bigger than it. Peter's in the Vatican and the Seville Cathedral in Spain, 40 thousand people can be accommodated under its echoing marble arches.
We know that marble has been particularly valued as a material throughout human history. The reason for this will become clear even to a person far from art upon close contact with Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). Under different lighting conditions, in different times day and at different times of the year this building amazingly can create completely different moods and inspire different feelings. Perhaps you would like to take the advice of the famous German poet Heine, who was sure that it was best Milan Cathedral looks like midnight under the bright moonlight. Then it seems that the numerous marble inhabitants of its terraces and spiers are about to come down from their pedestals and begin to tell amazing and slightly frightening stories. medieval stories. There are about 3,400 statues on the cathedral, and among them you can find not only biblical characters, but also 96 oriental chimeras, stand-up boxers, a statue that, according to the Milanese, became the prototype of the Statue of Liberty in New York, and even a small portrait of Mussolini. The latter, however, has now been altered beyond recognition and can only be found “by hint.” In the most honorable place stands the symbol of the city. This is a gilded figure of the Madonna, because the temple is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The Milanese affectionately call their intercessor Madonna, although her size is 4.16 meters and she weighs about a ton.
Inside the cathedral you will be greeted by twilight and the mystical glow of stained glass windows. Nowhere in Italy will you find so many stained glass windows in one church, and the chancel windows boast the largest stained glass windows in Europe. If you draw a line from the center of the altar up with your eyes, you can see a small red light just under the ceiling. The great shrine of Milan is kept there - a nail from the Holy Crucifixion. If you are lucky enough to visit Milan in September, on the Saturday closest to September 14 (the Day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), you can attend the ceremony of the ceremonial removal of the nail by the Archbishop of Milan, which rises under the dome of the cathedral on an ancient lift. According to legend, this lift was invented by Leonardo da Vinci himself.
The most unusual thing you can see in the cathedral is the meridian, a sundial that has shown noon since the late 18th century. Along the entire entrance there is a metal strip on which the signs of the zodiac are marked. IN
noon sunbeam unmistakably stands on the sign that corresponds to the current month. In the 60s of the last century, malfunctions in the operation of the meridian signaled a serious danger - the subsidence of the cathedral.
The Cathedral of Milan, which was lovingly built over 500 years by the people of one of the most prosperous cities in Europe, is rich in many other attractions and masterpieces.
One of the most famous monuments in 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. Basilica built in honor Holy Mother of God, 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 in those days was chosen, but also 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 accelerated significantly. 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 with a huge number of details, there are 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 equally 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 highest point reaches one hundred and six and a half meters, and 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, one seemingly inconspicuous statue occupies a place. 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 its central entrance they are located 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.
The Gothic Milan Cathedral (Duomo) is a grandiose creation of human hands and one of the attractions of Italy, as they say, “must see” - that is, a must-see. To visit Milan and not see the cathedral... It's almost impossible!
Indeed, it is located in the main square of the city, Duomo di Milano, next to the Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II. The highest point of the cathedral - the golden statue of the Madonna, reaching into the heavens on the highest of the cathedral spiers, is clearly visible from many parts of the city.
This meticulously designed structure is not only Milan's most important landmark, but also one of the most famous buildings in Europe. Milan Cathedral is the second largest of all Catholic cathedrals in the world.
From history
Construction of the cathedral began in 1386, although the decision to erect the building was made long before that. For several centuries, two basilicas stood on the site of the Milan Cathedral. However, in 1075 both of them were completely destroyed by a sudden fire.
Work on the cathedral continued for centuries. The main spire, which is crowned with a statue of the Madonna, was erected in 1762. By the way, the entire building is dedicated to Madonna.
A larger amount of work was completed in 1880.
In 2009, a major reconstruction of the cathedral was completed, and the dazzling facade still delights local residents and tourists.
Sights of the Duomo Cathedral
What should tourists pay attention to first?
- On the nail that is located directly above the altar. They say that it was brought from the crucifixion of Christ.
- It is necessary to take a good look at the patroness of Milan - Madonna.
- Don’t forget about the roof of the cathedral - the view from it cannot be compared with any in Milan. You can get to the top using a special staircase or using the elevator.
- The next attraction that can capture your attention is the mausoleum of Gian Giacomo Medici.
- And, of course, we should not forget about the statue of the martyr St. Bartholomew, who underwent terrible ordeals - he was flayed alive.
Following the traditions of the Gothic style, the Milan Cathedral is decorated with an endless number of different sculptures. These are mostly extremely remarkable specimens. For example, the female figures located in the center of the facade are considered to be the prototype of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Useful information
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Opening hours
Cathedral- daily from 08:00 to 19:00.
Crypt of St. Charles:
- Monday - Friday: from 11:00 to 17:30;
- Saturday: from 11:00 to 17:00;
- Sunday: from 13:30 to 15:30.
Cathedral Museum— daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (day off - Wednesday).
Terrace (observation deck)- daily from 9:00 to 19:00.
Baptistery of St. Stefano- daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
Entrance fee:
- "DUOMO PASS" by elevator- € 16.50 (children under 12 years old - € 8.50);
- "DUOMO PASS" by stairs- € 12.50 (children under 12 years old - € 6.50);
- "Elevator Terrace"– € 13.50 (children under 12 years old – € 7.50);
- "Terrace by stairs"– € 9.50 (children under 12 years old – € 5.00);
- "Cathedral + Museum"- € 3.50 (children under 12 years old - € 2.50);
- "Cathedral + Museum + Baptistery"– € 7.50 (children under 12 years old – € 3.50).
Duomo Cathedral on the map of Milan
The Gothic Milan Cathedral (Duomo) is a grandiose creation of human hands and one of the attractions of Italy, as they say, “must see” - that is, a must-see. To visit Milan and not see the cathedral... It's almost impossible!
In fact, it is located in the main square of the city, Duomo di Milano, next to..." />
