Located in the very heart of the city, the Duomo is the third largest cathedral in the world and Milan's most famous cultural landmark. Commenced in 1386, the cathedral was initially built in terracotta stone then continued in the white Condoglian marble (shipped from Lake Maggiore) that gives the building its striking crystalline beauty.
As well as its religious significance, the cathedral can be appreciated for its array of architectural styles, the work of generations of Lombard builders and architects. Marvel at literally thousands of statues both inside and out.
From the roof terrace a grand view, stretching across the city as far as the Alps on a good day, can be glimpsed through hundreds of Gothic spires. There is a Duomo Museum charting the history of its construction, as well as an exhibition of the archaeological digs on site.
Worth knowing
The cathedral nearly took six centuries to complete. The facade and many of the spires were finished in the 19th century, while the last gate was inaugurated in 1965. Even now, some uncarved stone blocks remain to be turned into statues.
Watch out for
This is the most important Gothic building in Italy and, accordingly, there are various noteworthy elements inside. Do not miss the 15th-century stained glass windows, the remains of the Paleochristian baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti & Santo Stefano, as well as the 4th-century Santa Tecla basilica in the archaeological area, or the chapel dedicated to archbishop San Carlo Borromeo in the crypt where he was buried, created in 1606.
