Milan Duomo
“What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful! A very world of solid weight, and yet it seems …a delusion of frostwork that might vanish with a breath!…”
This is how Mark Twain described Milan’s Duomo in The Innocents Abroad (a collection of travel letters written during his time in Europe and the Middle East). You may or may not agree with him, but for the first time in several years, after a massive clean-up and restoration project, it is once again possible to see the facade of this overpowering cathedral.
Taking down the scaffolding from Duomo facade
For what it’s worth, I have a great fondness for Il Duomo. It is more than just a place of worship. It has many different perspectives, I could gaze in wonder at it for hours on end. It’s almost a living, breathing being. Maybe viewing my collection of photos below will help demonstrate better.
Duomo Gallery
Please click on the thumbnails for slideshow and more information about the photos.
By the way, I highly recommend a rooftop visit on a nice clear day. Spectacular.
Duomo: Key Facts
- Second largest Catholic cathedral (after Seville)
- Construction started: 1386
- Construction completed: 1965
- Length: 157m
- Width: 92m
- Height: 45m
- Spire Height: 106.5m
- Materials: Brick and Candoglia marble
Information
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy, 20123
Tel: +39 (02) 86463456
Metro: Duomo
Official site: www.duomomilano.it
For a live view of the Duomo check out the webcam
Duomo as seen by the milancam
