Facts about Milan Cathedral

How large is the Duomo compared to other major churches?

The Duomo is the largest Gothic cathedral in Italy and the fifth largest Christian church in the world.

When did construction begin and who commissioned it?

Construction officially kicked off in 1386, sponsored by Gian Galeazzo Visconti (Milan’s lord at the time) and Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo.

Who manages the construction and maintenance of the Duomo Milan?

In 1387, they created the “Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo,” a unique institution dedicated exclusively to managing the cathedral’s construction. Plot twist? It’s still active today, almost 640 years later.

When was the Duomo consecrated?

Despite starting in 1386, the cathedral was consecrated in 1418—and it still wasn’t finished. That’s like moving into a house while they’re still building the roof.

How long did it take to fully complete the Duomo di Milano?

The construction lasted almost six centuries, with constant interruptions due to wars and economic crises. It symbolically ended in 1965 when the last door was installed.

What is the connection between Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duomo?

Napoleon Bonaparte pushed hard for the façade’s completion in the early 19th century (around 1811) because he wanted it ready for his coronation. As a thank you, a statue of Napoleon was placed on one of the spires.

What is the architectural style of the Duomo?

The Duomo is primarily International Gothic in style, but because it took so long to build, it blends multiple architectural styles, Renaissance contributions and a Neoclassical façade included

How many spires does the Cathedral of Milan have?

The cathedral features 135 spires or pinnacles rising toward the sky.

What is the capacity of the Duomo?

It can hold 40,000 people inside. That’s a small stadium’s worth of worshippers.

What are the dimensions of the Cathedral of Milan?

The building covers 11,700 m², stretches about 158 meters long, and the central nave reaches a height of 45 meters.

Which famous architects were involved in the project?

Big names worked on this project. Architects like Simone da Orsenigo and Nicolas de Bonaventure handled the early stages, and even Leonardo da Vinci was consulted on the design of the tiburium (the dome).

Can visitors access the Duomo's roof terraces?

The roof terraces span more than 8,000 m² and are accessible to visitors. If you’re up for it, you can climb 251 steps to reach unique views of Milan from above.

Did Leonardo da Vinci design the elevator for the relic?

Legend says Leonardo da Vinci invented a special elevator so the archbishop wouldn’t have to climb a ladder to reach the relic. However, it is not known for certain whether this is true or not.

What major relic is housed inside the cathedral of Milan?

The Duomo houses one of Christianity’s most important relics: a nail believed to be from the crucifixion of Christ, stored high up in the dome.

When is the Holy Nail displayed to the public?

This relic is only shown to the public once a year during the “Rite of the Nivola” in mid-September.

What is the “Nivola” and how is it used during the ritual?

During this ritual, the archbishop ascends to retrieve the relic using the “Nivola,” a historic cloud-shaped elevator. Yes, you read that right, a cloud-shaped lift.

How did the Holy Nail arrive in Milan?

According to tradition, the nail was brought to Milan in the 4th century by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine.

What does the small red light above the altar of the Duomo signify?

A small red light above the high altar marks the exact spot where the Holy Nail is kept year-round.

Why are the stained glass windows of Duomo called the “Bible of the Poor”?

The interior features 55 stained glass windows spanning different periods (14th to 20th centuries), often called the “Bible of the Poor” because they told biblical stories to those who couldn’t read.

Which famous statue depicts a saint carrying his own skin?

One of the most striking statues is Saint Bartholomew the Flayed (16th century), which shows the martyred saint literally carrying his own skin. It’s unsettling and unforgettable.

Does the Duomo have a pipe organ?

The Duomo has a monumental organ with thousands of pipes, making it one of the largest in Italy.

What can be found in the Archaeological Area of beneath the Duomo Milan?

Beneath the cathedral, you can explore the Archaeological Area, which contains remains of the original 4th-century early Christian baptistery.

How many pillars support the interior and what do they symbolize?

Inside, 52 marble pillars support the structure—one for each week of the year.

What significant historical event took place in the ancient baptistery?

That 4th-century baptistery is where Saint Ambrose baptized the future Saint Augustine in 387 AD. You’re literally walking through a pivotal moment in Christian history.

Where does the marble used to build the Duomo come from?

The entire cathedral is built from a unique pinkish-white marble quarried in Candoglia, Piedmont.

How was the heavy marble transported to Milan in the past?

This marble was transported to Milan using a system of canals (the “Navigli”), a massive logistical achievement for the time.

Is the traditional water transport method still used today?

Even today, when restoration requires new blocks, they’re still transported by water from the same quarry, just like during the Renaissance.

What financial privilege facilitated the transport of the marble?

The Veneranda Fabbrica had historical tax exemptions for transporting this marble, which helped keep the project moving.

Is the original marble quarry still active?

The Candoglia quarry is still active today, extracting marble exclusively for the Duomo’s restoration and maintenance.

Which building holds the record for the most statues in the world?

The Duomo holds the world record for the building with the most statues: over 3,400 in total.

What unusual or modern figures can be found among the statues?

These sculptures depict saints, historical figures, gargoyles, and fantastical motifs. Hidden among them are curious figures like the dragon Tarantasio and even modern additions like a boxer, added during recent restorations.

What is the name of the golden statue on the highest spire?

The golden statue on the central spire (the tallest) is called “La Madonnina” (the Little Madonna) and serves as Milan’s protective symbol.

When was the Madonnina installed and how tall is it?

Madonnina was installed in the 18th century and stands over 4 meters tall.

What is the traditional rule regarding building heights in Milan?

For decades, an unwritten (and later official) law said no building in Milan could be taller than the Madonnina (108.5 m).

When modern skyscrapers broke that rule, replicas of the Madonnina were placed on their rooftops (like on the Pirelli Tower) to maintain the symbolic hierarchy.

How does the astronomical sundial inside the cathedral of Milan work?

The cathedral floor houses a sundial installed in the 18th century. A small hole in the ceiling projects a ray of light onto a brass line on the floor, accurately marking solar noon and the signs of the zodiac.

What practical purpose did the sundial serve for the city of Milan?

This sundial was so accurate it was used to synchronize clocks throughout Milan for a long time.

How can visitors contribute to the restoration of the Duomo?

The Veneranda Fabbrica runs a fundraising program where you can symbolically “adopt” a statue, gargoyle, or even an entire spire to help pay for its restoration. Want your name connected to a 600-year-old cathedral? Now’s your chance.