Duomo di Milano
The Duomo of Milan is considered the third Catholic church in the world. Milan’s Duomo is decidedly the most impressive structure in Milan. The Duomo is literally at the center of Milan. Streets radiate from the cathedral or circle it. The cathedral occupies a site that has been the most central location in the city since its founding.
The construction of the cathedral was commissioned by bishop Antonio da Saluzzo in 1385. He was supported by the first duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who envisioned the creation of the world's largest church. He gave access to his marble quarries, granted tax exemptions and invited architects from across Europe. Construction commenced in 1386, but it would drag on for centuries. When the cathedral was consecrated in 1418, construction of the nave had only just started. Construction would continue until 1813, and final finishes were applied as late as in 1965.
After completing the foundation and plinth of the cathedral, work focused on the apse. This part is considered the architectural highlight of the church, and its Gothic design was influenced by master builders who hailed from Germany. Work then progressed slowly towards the front.
The Duomo is decorated with an amazing number of beautifully sculpted statues and spires. There are more statues on this building than any other in the world, 3159 in total. 2245 of these are on the exterior together with 96 gargoyles and 135 spires. It is said that if the statues were placed on top of each other, they would reach a height of about 5300 meters.
The inside of Milan's Cathedral is expansive but rather dark. There are five large naves divided by fifty-two pillars - one for each week of the year - that support the cross vaulted ceiling.
In the one on the left we can see the "Tree", or Candlestick Trivulzio . A gigantic seven-branched candlestick, 12 meters high, sculpted in the 11th century by a French goldsmith, such Nicola da Verdun, and given in 1562 to the archpriest Giovan Battista Trivulzio is simply imposing.
On the right, instead, there is a suggestive statue of St. Bartholomew , recognizable on an iconographic level by having his own skin resting on his shoulder, since that was his martyrdom.
And now the highest altar above the level of the aisles , with a magnificent wooden choir, and two pairs of organs. One older than the other.
Under the main altar there is a small church and the entrance to the Treasury of the Cathedral ... where ancient vestments, solid gold goblets, inlaid miter of precious jewels are kept.
At certain times of the day it will be possible to turn around the main altar and admire the gigantic glass windows of the apse are three and there are no words to properly describe the enchantment. Under the windows there are the most important sarcophagi including that of San Carlo Borromeo, but also Ariberto d'Intimiano, Gian Giacomo Medici.
