Explore inside the iconic Milan Cathedral and get access to the museum
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The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and one of the most famous landmarks in Milan and Italy.
The cathedral’s construction began in 1386 under the supervision of Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo and finally completed in the 19th century. Built in a Gothic style with some Renaissance and Neoclassical features (which were added later).
One of the most famous features of the cathedral are the spires, statues and gargoyles that decorate the outside and the roof. With over 100 spires covering the building and the larger ones each holding a statue on top of various characters, one of which takes centre stage and is a statue of the Virgin Mary and is made of gilded copper plates and shines brightly on sunny days. Visitors can climb to the roof to enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the city.
The Duomo di Milano is impressive in terms of its size, covering an area of 12,000 square metres (about 129,167 square feet), and its main nave is 45 metres (148 feet) high.
The cathedral also has a significant collection of art, which includes important sculptures, paintings, and tapestries. One of the most famous of which is the bronze statue of ‘Saint Bartholomew’ by Marco d'Agrate. Bartholomew was an apostle who was eventually beheaded. The statue is known for its rather creepy stare!
The cathedral is still an active place of worship with regular religious services held there, however, it attracts millions of visitors each year as a tourist attraction.
The Museum & Archaeological Area
The cathedral also has a museum attached to it and an incredible archaeological space to see under it as well. The area includes the fourth-century octagonal baptistery as well as other remnants from the past.