Arriving in the centre of Milan directly from the airport and trying to get my bearings, I spied the most beautiful building shimmering in the near distance at the Piazza del Duomo. I'd read of how magnificent a building the Duomo (Milan Cathedral) is, but was not prepared for how ornate and dazzling it would actually be. The Duomo is a truly monumental building that spans 157 meters in length, 92 meters in width, and can hold over 40,000 people, making it one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It is the heart of Milan. The immense structure took over 600 years to complete. Construction began in 1386 but was not officially completed until 1965. With an Italian Gothic style, the front façade of the cathedral is truly superb covered with a staggering number of intricately detailed carved statues and pinnacles depicting scenes from the Bible and Milan's history making it a real testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans and craftsmen who worked on it. These sculptures serve as a visual representation of the Christian faith, intended to educate and inspire the faithful. Among them you can find depictions of the life of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and various episodes from the Old Testament. The Duomo features 5 spectacular sets of bronze doors each of which feature ornate carvings depicting religious and historical scenes. Conceived as being made from bronze as early as 1582, the doors were initially carved from wood, they were eventually replaced by bronze versions in the early 1900s. Each door has a particular story to tell. From the left, the first door of Duomo di Milano is the Door of the Edict of Constantine. This door was designed by Arrigo Minerbi and narrates some major important events surrounding the Edict of Milan (313 CE), which granted religious freedom to Christians. The Second Door is The Porta di Sant’Ambrogio, created by sculptor Giannino Castiglioni, this door honours the holy Bishop Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan depicting key moment from his life. The Central or Main door (Porta Centrale o Porta di Maria), the Door of Mary, is the central and largest door of the cathedral. Designed by Ludovico Pogliaghi, this door symbolizes the theme of “Joy and Sorrow of the Virgin Mary.” The right side of the door represents joyful events like the Annunciation and Nativity, while the left side depicts sorrowful moments such as the Crucifixion. This door’s profound symbolism and intricate carvings make it one of the most captivating elements of the Duomo’s façade as can be seen below. Several of the panels have been rubbed for luck I guess, by eager visitors and the lower bronze shines through the surface patina. The Fourth door from the left The Porta della Battaglia di Legnano, or the Door of the Battle of Legnano, illustrates the civil and religious triumph of Milan during conflicts with the German Empire and Frederick Barbarossa. The fifth door, The Porta della Storia del Duomo, or the Door of the History of the Duomo, is the final door. Completed in 1965 by sculptor Luciano Minguzzi, this door illustrates twelve significant episodes from the cathedral’s history, spanning from its foundation to the time of Saint Charles Borromeo. As dazzling as the cathedral doors are, the most striking feature of the Duomo are the multitude of spires (over 3,400 in all!), that adorn and crown the cathedral like a fantastical forest of stone giving the building its characteristic silhouette. Each spire is topped with a small statue, creating a dialogue between the earth and the divine. These spires are not merely decorative but also serve a structural function, helping to distribute the weight of the heavy marble roof and supporting the overall stability of the building. These 135 spires topped by sculptures depict a wide range of subjects, from religious figures such as saints, angels, and biblical scenes to mythical creatures and symbols that reflect the spiritual and cultural values of the time. The tallest and most significant of the spires is the central spire, which reaches a height of 108.5 meters (356 feet). At the top of this spire is the golden statue of the Madonnina (Little Madonna), a representation of the Virgin Mary that has become a symbol of Milan. The statue, made of copper and covered with gold leaf, was installed in 1774 and stands as a protective beacon over the city. Such is the reverence in which the Madonnina is held it is said that no building in the city should be taller than her, a reflection of the esteem with which she is regarded by the people of Milan. Many of the statues that decorate the Duomo represent saints and apostles, standing as guardians of the church and symbols of faith. Angels are another common motif among the sculptures, from majestic archangels to smaller cherubic figures. They are often positioned standing guard at the corners of the cathedral, symbolizing divine protection over the city of Milan. In addition to the religious figures, the Duomo features a variety of mythical creatures and symbolic figures. These include gargoyles and fantastical beasts that represent the struggle between good and evil they serve a dual purpose as both decorative elements and functional waterspouts, directing rainwater away from the building’s structure. Having passed the Duomo on several occasions during my visit as I traversed the piazza, on my last day with a couple of hours to spare before my flight back to London I decided to embark on the rooftop tour. Having handed over my money I took to the stairs through a side entrance and began the steady ascent, climbing the narrow stairs surrounded by solid brick walls punctuated by slits which let in daylight. It took a while to scale the building but I eventually reached the top and emerged into daylight. Here the beauty of the fantastic architectural carvings and buttresses on top of the Duomo became apparent and I was also treated to a breathtaking series of vistas of the city and Milanese skyline. There was a real feeling of peace up there, and a certain sense of spirituality. I felt nearer to God physically as well as mentally. The countless stone pinnacles and their figurative sculptures were truly awe inspiring, a testament to human creativity and devotion. The Duomo is a jewel and every bit deserving of all the superlatives bestowed on it.
Duomo di Milano
Via Maria Carlo Martini
1-200122
Milano
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