⛪ Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
Italy
About This Sacred Site
The Duomo di Milano is the largest Gothic cathedral in Italy and the third-largest church in the world. Construction began in 1386 and continued for nearly six centuries, with the final details completed in 1965. Its exterior bristles with 3,400 statues, 135 spires, and countless pinnacles of pink Candoglia marble. The golden Madonnina statue atop the main spire, at 108.5 meters, has been the symbol of Milan since 1774. The cathedral houses a nail believed to be from the True Cross of Christ, which is displayed annually in a ceremony using a mechanical cloud-shaped lift designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
Key Facts
- •Took nearly 600 years to complete, from 1386 to 1965
- •Has 3,400 statues on its exterior, more than any other building in the world
- •The Holy Nail from the True Cross is raised annually using a mechanism designed by Leonardo da Vinci
- •Made of pink Candoglia marble from quarries granted exclusively by the Duchy of Milan
- •The rooftop terraces offer panoramic views and close-up views of Gothic spires and statues
Location
Coordinates: 45.4641, 9.1919
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