Monza Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Monza, Italy
Monza Cathedral is a Gothic church in the northern Italian city of Monza, built with white and green marble. The facade displays five sections divided by four pilasters, while side buttresses frame the structure.
Queen Theodelinda founded a palace chapel here in 595 next to her royal residence. Over the centuries the building was expanded several times and received its current Gothic form in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The building bears the name of Saint John the Baptist, chosen by Queen Theodelinda in the sixth century. Visitors today can see the Iron Crown kept in its own chapel, a centuries-old symbol of royal authority.
The bell tower reaches a height of about 78 meters (256 feet) and dominates the skyline of Monza. Visitors can enter the cathedral during the day, with appropriate clothing expected.
During major religious ceremonies, twelve halberdiers and one commander stand as armed guards inside the cathedral. This tradition still connects the place to its historical role as a palace chapel.
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