The Duomo, which
traditionally symbolizes the city of Milan, is the most extraordinary
example of Italian late Gothic art. It ranks third in terms of dimension
after the Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican in Rome and Seville's
Cathedral. Located in the very heart of the city it represents both the core
of the city and the unavoidable destination of countless visitors from Italy
and abroad.
Big City Life - A day in Milano - A video by
lapepatencia
The construction
of the Duomo began in 1386 promoted by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, lord of
Milan, and continued for centuries.
The Duomo is
entirely covered from its base with pinkish-white marble. In the facade five
large portals are inserted carrying high-reliefs illustrating sacred and
historical scenes such as "The life of Sant'Ambrogio". Wide slabs of marble
make up the roof of the Duomo which can be reached by a steep external
staircase, consisting of 919 steps, carved between the left side and the
transept.
The effort of
"climbing" the Duomo is highly rewarded by the magnificent view of the
surrounding plain up to the Alps; should the weather be ungenerous it will
still be possible to enjoy the vision of the "Madonnina", the golden statue
of the Virgin Mary, the 135 lace-like spires and the many statues which
decorate the roof. There are also two elevators that can be used to avoid
most of the climbing effort, they are on the left and right side in the rear
of the Duomo.
On entering the
majestic interior of the cross-shaped cathedral, the sight is captured by
the polychrome stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of the
saints. The eight naves of the Cathedral are divided by 52 gigantic pillars
topped by a series of niches with statues.
