Milan, Italy is known for its breathtaking Duomo Cathedral, exquisite fashion, art, and history. This beautiful Catholic based cathedral welcomes everyone with its extraordinary stained glass windows and large dimensions located at the heart of the city. With the fact that it took nearly 600 years to be constructed along with being built by multiple architects, it is now the second-largest church in Italy and is the third-largest church in the world.

Construction of the Duomo of Milan began in 1386 by Bishop Antonio da Saluzzo and was supported by the ruler of Milan Gian Galeazzo Visconti who had grand visions of the cathedral. By 1389, the Frenchman Nicolas de Bonaventure was appointed chief architect giving the cathedral a strong Gothic imprint, which is clearly noticeable compared to modern day architecture. The exterior of the cathedral is covered in pink white marble as well as the top that finishes with a countless number of pinnacles and towers topped by statues that contemplate the city. At the end of the fifteenth century the greatest architects and artists of the time, including Leonardo da Vinci, attempted to accomplish the difficult task of designing the tiburium. “Carlo Borromeo, archbishop of Milan from 1564 to 1584 and Federigo Borromeo’s (archbishop from 1595 to 1631) interventions in the cathedral were inspired by the concepts of the architecture and furnishings of papal Rome, leaving a new imprint in the Duomo’s interior, as we can see from the excellent architectural framework of the presbytery, the side altars, the crypt, the baptistery, and the floor.” (www.duomomilano.it).

Later on, Giuseppe Perego sculpted a golden copper statue in 1774 that is located at the highest point of the temple and is known as the Madonnina which became the symbol of Milan.

“Thousands of artists, sculptors and specialized workers were involved in the construction of the Cathedral of Milan. Architects from across Europe were invited to work on the project (at least 78 different architects total) and as it grew and grew, its construction dragged on over the years… for another 200 years.” (www.walksofitaly.com)

Construction finally ended and opened to the public on January 6, 1965 with the result of The Cathedral of Milan being dedicated to St. Mary of the nativity, 157 meters in length, 11,700 m2 and with a capacity for more than 40,000 people. There are 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures that decorate the Gothic cathedral.

Would you ever want to visit this grand cathedral? If you’re interested in finding out more information go to or an online tour visit www.duomomilano.it.