DUOMO DI MILANO | LA CATTEDRALE

The building of Milan Cathedral began in 1386, when the Gothic style of cathedrals had already reached its peak. Construction began on the site of the ancient basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Tecla, the remains of which, together with those of the Baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti, are still visible in the Archaeological Area. To oversee the work, in 1387, at the instigation of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo was established, charged with the design and construction of the Cathedral.

One of the first innovative decisions was the use of Candoglia marble, chosen by Gian Galeazzo to replace the traditional Lombard brick. This marked a stylistic revolution that required the involvement of engineers, architects, sculptors and craftsmen from the main Gothic sites of Europe. Thanks to this variety of skills and influences, the Duomo became a crossroads of cultures, becoming the most European of Gothic cathedrals. The direction of the work saw the alternation of numerous designers, making it impossible to attribute the authorship of the project with certainty.

Work began with the construction of the apse, characterised by the imposing stained-glass windows, and continued to the transept and the first bays of the nave, leaving the question of the closing of the vault unresolved. On 16 October 1418, Pope Martin V consecrated the high altar during his return from the Council of Constance. At the end of the 15th century, leading artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, tried their hand at the design of the tiburium, resolving this crucial phase with a shared decision.

With the advent of the Counter-Reformation, inspired by the decrees of the Council of Trent (1545-1563), the Cathedral underwent a significant evolution. Carlo Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, and his successor Federigo Borromeo directed their interventions towards an aesthetic inspired by papal Rome, redefining the interior of the Cathedral with the new presbytery, side altars, crypt, baptistery and floor. Among the most significant works of the period are the Quadroni di San Carlo and the wooden choir.

At the end of the 16th century, work began on the design of the façade, while the old façade of Santa Maria Maggiore, rebuilt in a more forward position, was only demolished in 1683. The final façade was not completed until the end of the 18th century. Between the 17th and 18th centuries, the tiburium was completed with the great spire and the placing of the Madonnina in 1774.

The 19th century saw intense activity thanks to Napoleon, who promoted the completion of the façade between 1807 and 1813. During this period, most of the spires and many of the historiated stained-glass windows were made using the enamel-painted glass technique. In the 20th century, despite the conflicts, major restorations and archaeological excavations began in Piazza del Duomo. Between 1909 and 1965, the doors of the façade were completed, while the Fabbrica dedicated itself to structural and conservative restoration, culminating with the work on the tiburium and the Main Spire.

Le Terrazze: a unique experience at a height of 70 metres
The roof of the Duomo di Milano offers a unique route over a walking surface of 8,000 square metres, the largest in the world for a Gothic cathedral. Among 134 spires and 3,500 statues, it is possible to walk up to the famous Madonnina, more than 4 metres high and located at 108.5 metres, symbol of Milan's protection since 1774. The terraces offer a breathtaking perspective, immersed in the grandeur and magnificence of one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture.

To access the Cathedral with the Museum Pass, you must collect your ticket Cathedral + Museum o Culture Pass at the Cathedral Museum ticket office in Piazza del Duomo 12 (this ticket does not allow access to the Duomo Terraces).

Note: Museum Pass holders are entitled to only one free admission to the Duomo Terraces during the period of validity of each season ticket, subject to collection of the specific ticket (stairway or lift access) at the ticket office. After the first and only one admission included in the season ticket, any further access to the Terraces shall be subject to the ordinary rate. The issue of tickets is subject to availability at the ticket office. The season ticket cannot be used for special events (e.g. evening opening of the Terraces with musical accompaniment, evening opening of the museum with aperitifs, concerts).