Milan Cathedral History and Facts
Milan Cathedral History and Facts
Milan Cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, stands as an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Milan. Rising majestically above the bustling city, the world-famous Gothicchurch with beckons visitors to explore its awe-inspiring interiors, housing centuries-old art and relics, while offering panoramic views of Milan from its terraces.
On this page, delve into the captivating history and fascinating facts surrounding the Duomo di Milano, where every stone narrates a story of grandeur and resilience. Uncover the architectural marvels that define its structure, from the intricate marble façade, adorned with countless spires and delicate sculptures, to the intricate stained-glass windows.
Quick Facts about Milan Cathedral
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Original Name: Duomo di Milano
- Capacity: 40,000
- Length: 158.6 meter (520 feet)
- Width: 92 meter (302 feet)
- Height: 108 meter (354 feet)
- Total Area: 109,641 square feet
- Height of Viewing Terrace: 225 feet
- Number of spires: 135
- Construction Started and Finished: 1386 – 1965 (officially completed after nearly six centuries)
- Architects and engineers: 77, including Simone da Orsenigo, Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono, Pellegrino Tibaldi, Francesco Maria Richini.
- Architectural Style: Gothic with elements of Renaissance and Baroque.
- Renowned for its: Pinkish shining marble façade, stunning spires, intricate sculptures, impressive stained-glass windows.
- Building material: Brick and Candoglia marble.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 1980
- Special Events: Religious ceremonies, concerts, cultural exhibitions.
- Number of Visitors per Year: More than 5 million.
9 Fun Facts about Milan Cathedral
Explore the enchanting nuances of Milan Cathedral through these intriguing and delightful nuggets of information:
Almost Six Centuries Of Construction
From its inception in 1386 to its completion in 1965, a nearly six-century-long construction journey shaped the awe-inspiring grandeur of Milan Cathedral.
Candoglia Marble
The cathedral’s exterior is clad in Candoglia marble, sourced from the quarries near Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy. Characterized by its pinkish hue and crystalline structure, it has weathered the elements for centuries while retaining its original and timeless beauty.
Largest Church In Italy
With a total area of 109,641 square feet and a capacity of around 40,000 people, Milan Cathedral is the largest church in Italy and fifth largest in the world.
Most Statues In The World
Over 3,400 statues decorate the exterior and interior of Milan Cathedral, making it the church with the most statues in the world.
Largest Organ In Italy
Built in 1938 with five manuals and over 15,000 pipes, which vary in size from a few inches to over 30 feet long, having 30,000 moving parts and weighing over 50 tons, the organ of Milan Cathedral is the largest organ in Italy and the eighth largest in the world.
A Nail From The Crucifixion Of Christ
Believed to have been one of the nails from the Crucifixion of Christ, it is known as the Sacro Chiodo, or Holy Nail, and kept in a reliquary in the cathedral’s apse. It is said to have been found by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, in the 4th century AD. She was on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land when she reportedly had a vision that led her to the site of the Crucifixion. There, she is said to have found three nails, one of which she brought back to Rome. The Holy Nail was later given to the Archbishop of Milan, and it has been kept in the cathedral ever since.
Secret Underground Archaeological Site
Being a fascinating and unique place to visit, the site was discovered in 1961 during excavation work for the installation of a new heating system. Archaeologists found the remains of an ancient Roman bathhouse, which is believed to have been built in the 2nd century AD.
The Sundial
Installed in the 18th century on the south side of the church, near the entrance to the Archaeological Area, the cathedral’s sundial is still accurate today and is used to tell time.
Small Red Bulb
There is a small red bulb on one of the spires that is said to be a lightning rod: This bulb is actually a weather vane, but it has become a popular superstition among locals.
History of Milan Cathedral: Timeline
14th Century
1386 – Construction of the Milan Cathedral begins under the reign of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan.
15th Century
1402 – The first marble blocks are laid for the cathedral’s foundation.
16th Century
1500 – The construction of the cathedral’s apse is completed.
1508 – Leonardo da Vinci designs a model for the cathedral’s dome.
1528 – The construction of the cathedral’s nave is completed.
17th Century
1616 – The construction of the cathedral’s façade begins.
1689 – The construction of the cathedral’s transepts is completed.
1697 – The construction of the cathedral’s lantern is completed.
18th Century
1718 – The construction of the cathedral’s spires begins.
1740 – The construction of the cathedral’s roof is completed.
19th Century
1813 – The construction of the cathedral’s façade is completed.
1838 – The construction of the cathedral’s spires is completed.
1897 – The construction of the cathedral’s stained-glass windows is completed.
20th Century
1900 – The cathedral is consecrated by Pope Leo XIII.
1965 – The cathedral is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1965 – The construction of the cathedral’s organ is completed.
21st Century
2000 – The cathedral is restored and renovated.
2010 – The cathedral is reopened to the public after a decade of restoration work.
History of Milan Cathedral: In-Depth Overview
Learn about the rich history of Milan Cathedral through our comprehensive overview below, arranged in chronological sections:
Architecture of Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral, an architectural marvel, commenced construction in 1386 and officially concluded after nearly six centuries in 1965. The collaborative effort of 77 architects and engineers contributed to its grandeur, showcasing a unique blend of Gothic architecture with elements of Renaissance and Baroque styles. The cathedral’s iconic features include a pinkish shining marble façade that radiates elegance, stunning spires that pierce the skyline, and more than 3,400 intricate sculptures that adorn its exterior.
Its interior features a number of paintings, including frescoes and murals, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints, while tapestries, mosaics, and gold leaf further enrich the cathedral’s beauty. It is also adorned with impressive stained-glass windows that filter vibrant hues into the sacred space.
Book Tickets to Milan Cathedral
Explore our thoughtfully assembled collection of tickets and guided tours for the Milan Cathedral. Elevate your visit with a more captivating and immersive experience as you traverse through this historically rich and visually breathtaking landmark.
Bestselling Milan Cathedral Entry Ticket
Duomo di Milano: Entry Ticket
1.4K+ Reviews
€11.50
Tiqets
“Great tool, few clicks and save the long queue for ticket. …”
Bestselling Milan Cathedral Rooftop Ticket
Duomo di Milano: Rooftop Access
2K+ Reviews
€19.00
Tiqets
“Many stairs to walk down even if you get lift up so be aware of that. Excellent experience, wonderful place thoroughly enjoyed the visit..”
Best-Value Milan Cathedral + Rooftop Access Ticket
Duomo di Milano: Entry Ticket + Rooftop Access
8.4K+ Reviews
€26.00
Tiqets
“It was easy to find the Museum for my entry point. The staff were all friendly and helpful and the Duomo was magnificent both the cathedral itself and the rooftop walk….”
Top-Rated Milan Cathedral & Rooftop Ticket with Fast Track Entry
Duomo di Milano: Fast Track Ticket + Rooftop Access
820+ Reviews
€34.00
Tiqets
“Excellent, what a fantastic experience would recommend this….”
