Milan Attractions
Duomo, Milan © Italian Tourist Board
Duomo (Cathedral)
The looming Duomo, the world's largest Gothic cathedral,
presides over the Piazza that bears its name. Its construction
began in 1386 and continued sporadically until Napoleon ordered its
completion in 1809. Its lengthy creation bestowed on it 3,400
statues, 135 spires and 96 gargoyles. It is best visited in full
sunshine when the interior is illuminated by the colourful mosaic
of its stained glass windows. The church is a five-aisled cruciform
seating 40,000 worshippers. The 16th-century marble tomb of Giacomo
de Medici lies in the south transept and lying buried at its heart
is St Charles Borromeo, the cathedral's most important benefactor.
Every year in May and September a nail from the cross of Christ is
displayed to worshippers and is retrieved from its resting place by
the bishop who is hoisted to the nivola to reach it. Across the
piazza in the Palazzo Reale is the Museo del Duomo that displays
the treasures from the cathedral. It also houses the Museo d'Arte
Contomporanea, showcasing a collection of Italian Futurist art.
Address: Piazza del Duomo 18;
Telephone: (02) 8646 3456;
Opening time: Cathedral 6.50am to 7pm; Roof 7am to 7pm; Crypt 9am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 6pm; Baptistery Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm; Museo del Duomo Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am to 12.30pm and 3-6pm;
Admission: Cathedral free; Roof €4 by stairs, €6 with elevator; Crypt €1.50; Baptistery €1.50
