Milan Cathedral

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Milan Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy

Milan Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral in the city center, rising over 108 meters (355 feet) and adorned with about 3,400 marble sculptures. The structure contains five naves, an extensive rooftop terrace system, an underground archaeological area and countless pinnacles that dominate the skyline.

Construction started in 1386 under architect Simone da Orsenigo, with marble brought from the Candoglia quarries. Completion stretched over several centuries, with styles and ideas evolving through successive generations.

The cathedral still serves as a place of religious celebration and daily mass, attended by locals and visitors alike. Milanese come here to pray, light candles or simply find a quiet moment in the busy city center, keeping the building part of everyday local life.

Access to the cathedral is possible through several entrances, and visitors can reach the rooftop terraces by stairs or elevator. The underground areas display archaeological finds, and the interior is wide enough to walk through even during busier times.

The golden statue of the Madonnina was placed on the main spire in 1774 and marks the highest point in the historic center. For a long time, a local tradition held that no building in Milan should stand taller than this figure, until the 20th century softened that rule.

Location: Milan

Inception: 1386

Architects: Simone da Orsenigo

Architectural style: Italian Gothic architecture, Flamboyant

Height: 108.5 m

Made from material: marble

Website: https://duomomilano.it/en

GPS coordinates: 45.46397,9.19058

Latest update: December 3, 2025 07:22

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Milan draws together art and architecture from different periods into a single city. The Duomo cathedral dominates the skyline with its intricate design, while La Scala theatre stands as the center of opera culture. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shows 19th-century craftsmanship and merges commerce with grand architecture. The city offers Renaissance art through Leonardo's Last Supper and the collections at the Brera Gallery. Sforza Castle and the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio reveal medieval history. Modern design appears throughout the fashion district and in museums documenting the city's innovations. Milan also brings together diverse spaces: historic canals, parks, sports culture, and science museums display the city's range. A visit allows you to discover history, art, and contemporary life all in one place.

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Milan offers visitors a mix of historical landmarks and modern spaces. The city is home to Gothic cathedrals like the Duomo, grand galleries for shopping and art, and important museums. You can walk through ancient churches, explore art collections in palaces, or stroll through parks. The buildings here range from medieval structures to contemporary designs that define the city's character. Famous venues like La Scala, the world-class opera house, and Castello Sforzesco with its art treasures show Milan's cultural standing. More recent additions like vertical gardens and the Novecento art museum reveal how the city brings together past and present. Whether you care about history or enjoy current art movements, Milan has diverse experiences to offer. Wander along the Navigli canals, discover the fashion districts, or visit science museums. The city invites you to feel history at different locations while also experiencing its living, energetic present.

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Milan offers photography locations for all skill levels. The city blends historic architecture with modern design, creating varied opportunities for photographers. The Milan Cathedral displays a detailed gothic facade, while contemporary structures like Bosco Verticale combine residential buildings with vegetation. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shows classical elegance, and Sforza Castle conveys historical weight. Historic neighborhoods like Navigli and Brera reward exploration. The Navigli canals reflect old trade routes, while Brera draws visitors with artist studios and galleries. Parco Sempione and Arco della Pace provide green spaces and views across the city. Piazza del Duomo anchors the center with its scale and surrounding buildings. Other locations like Santa Maria delle Grazie, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Fondazione Prada showcase art and culture. Teatro alla Scala and the Fashion District reflect tradition and design. Less central places like Colonne di San Lorenzo, Chiaravalle Abbey, and Rotonda della Besana offer photo subjects for those exploring beyond main routes.

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« Milan Cathedral - Gothic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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