The Duomo Milan began its journey in 1386 with the support of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who was the Duke of Milan. The goal was to build a grand cathedral that would be the centre of Milan’s religious life. They chose the Gothic style for the architecture which was not common in Italy at that time. This choice showed that they wanted something truly special. In the early stages architects and craftsmen from many parts of Europe worked on the Duomo. This collaboration led to a mix of different styles in the cathedral. Because the project was so large it was clear that it would take many generations to finish.
During the 15th century, the construction of the Duomo Milan made significant progress. The cathedral’s structure grew and the detailed facade with its spires and statues started to form. Famous artists and architects like Leonardo da Vinci, Andrea Pisano, Arnolfo di Cambio, Filippo Brunelleschi, and Giotto contributed ideas to the design making the Duomo even more artistically rich. By 1762, the golden statue of the Virgin Mary known as the Madonnina was placed on top of the main spire. This marked the completion of the cathedral’s exterior.
Even though the Duomo Milan had been used for religious services for a long time its construction was not officially completed until the early 19th century. In 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned King of Italy in the Duomo. This event pushed the completion of the cathedral especially its facade resulting in the structure we see today. During the 20th century, the Duomo went through several restoration projects to fix damage caused by weather and pollution. These projects aimed to preserve the cathedral’s intricate details. The work continues into the 21st century with ongoing maintenance to keep the Duomo in good condition for years to come.
The Duomo Milan is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and has a long history that stretches across many centuries.
TICKETS
When you visit the Duomo in Milan, this ticket gives you access to important attraction. The ticket is valid for three days from the date you…
TRAVELER INFORMATION
The main cathedral and the archaeological area are open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Duomo Milan’s opening hours are the same…
DUOMO MILAN INFORMATION
The Duomo di Milano also known as the Milan Cathedral is an amazing architectural wonder. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals…
