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Duomo

 E3 ⌂ Piazza Duomo q 1, 3 v 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, 16, 24, 27 # 8am–7pm daily (main cathedral); 10am–6pm Thu–Tue (museum); 9am–6pm daily (baptistry); May–mid-Sep: 9am–10pm daily; mid-Sep–Apr: 9am–7pm daily (roof terraces) ∑ duomomilano.it

Milan’s massive Duomo has a forest of soaring marble spires dating back to 1386. In sheer figures it is impressive: it’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, it has more than 3,500 exterior statues and it is supported by 52 massive columns inside.

From its inception to the finishing touches, Milan’s cathedral took almost 430 years to complete. Construction began in 1386, with the city’s bishop, Antonio da Saluzzo, as its patron. Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti invited Lombard, German and French architects to supervise the works and insisted they use Candoglia marble, which was transported from Lake Maggiore along the Navigli canals. The official seal AUF (ad usum fabricae), stamped on the slabs, exempted them from customs duty. Over the centuries, some of Italy’s best sculptors and architects worked on the cathedral, including Leonardo da Vinci. The cathedral was consecrated in 1418, yet remained unfinished until the 19th century, when Napoleon, who was crowned King of Italy here, had the façade completed. Its bronze doors were only fitted in 1965.

t Intricate Gothic façade of Milan’s Duomo

Experience Milan

t The lofty nave, supported by a thicket of 52 pilasters

Experience Milan

Roof Terraces

The view of the city from the roof terraces is simply unforgettable. Take in a bird’s-eye view of the city and the cathedral’s remarkable Gothic crown of spires, gargoyles, statues and tracery.