10 Amazing Duomo di Milano Facts You Should Know

Duomo di Milano, with its stunning Gothic design and rich history, captivates the hearts of millions of visitors each year. From its elaborate exterior adorned with 3,400 statues to the sacred interior housing precious relics, the Duomo is a one-of-a-kind experience. Read ahead to explore the fascinating details that make the Duomo di Milano a must-visit destination. Let’s dive into the 10 most interesting Duomo di Milano facts!

Duomo di Milano was completed after 600 years

One of the most exciting facts about Duomo di Milano is that the building started in 1386 and finished in 1900. Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo asked for it to be built. Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the leader of Milan, also supported it and had big ideas for the cathedral. They used terracotta stone for the foundation but later switched to Condoglian marble from Lake Maggiore. The whole building is made of pink and white marble.

Thousands worked on the construction of the Duomo di Milano

One well-known fact about the Duomo di Milano is that thousands of experts worked together to build the Duomo. Artists, sculptors and other specialized workers were hired, and at least 78 architects were consulted. Construction continued for 200 years, requiring the employment of architects, sculptors and stone cutters. These craftsmen, skilled in the Central European Gothic style, were brought in from outside Italy and are responsible for the unique Gothic architecture of the Duomo.

Duomo di Milano’s original architect is not known

Many architects were asked how to design and build the Duomo. The Duomo’s records now show that from 1387 to 1988, hundreds of architects helped make and fix the building. They’re still trying to figure out who the first architect was.

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the artists commissioned

In the late 15th century, influential architects and artists were given specific tasks to build the Duomo. One standout artist was Leonardo da Vinci. He took on the challenging job of designing the Tiberium and made a wooden model after several attempts. 

Designing a lantern of that size was tough, especially since others were responsible for the overall building design. Leonardo eventually decided to take back his model, hoping to present it again later. Drawings in the Atlantic Code, Trivulziano Code, and Veranda’s registers provide evidence of his contribution to the Duomo. 

Construction of Duomo di Milano stopped

1418, they withheld the Duomo because the building took longer than expected. By then, only the main part was done. Construction had stopped by the late 1400s, even though half of the cathedral was finished in 1402. Politics, design changes, and not having enough money caused the delay. 

The Duomo gave way to the Navigli Canal

The cathedral was made using a special kind of marble from Candoglia Quarries, located about 90 km northwest of Milan. To quickly transport the marble to the construction site, architects and builders had to use available transportation, mainly water. They transported the marble to Milan along rivers and canals built at the ends of the rivers. Even after the construction, these canals stayed and became a popular attraction. Nowadays, the Navigli canals are a lively part of the city with bars, shops, and street markets.

Duomo di Milano is the cathedral with the most statues

This cathedral has more statues than any other cathedral in the world. You can find these intricate statues outside, at the tall points, and indoors. There are 3,400 statues, 700 marble figures, and 135 gargoyles. Many people who go to the Duomo really like the statues and spend time looking at each one. The statues include characters from the Bible, saints, and a picture of Benito Mussolini. There’s even a statue resembling the Statue of Liberty.

The roof of the Duomo is accessible

Unlike many old buildings in Italy that don’t let you go up high, the Duomo is different. Instead of just having a viewing tower like other historic places, you can climb to the top of its roof. From there, you can see the whole city and, on a clear day, even catch sight of the Alps to the north.

Bartholomew’s statue is inside the Duomo

There are many statues in the Duomo, but one stands out. It’s Saint Bartholomew, an apostle of Jesus. He bravely preached the gospel but faced a tough fate—he was skinned alive. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find his statue holding a book, covered in his own skin. It’s a powerful and unique sight.

The sundial at the Duomo is still accurate

There’s a sundial on the ground in front of the Duomo’s main entrance. On 21 June, during summer, and 21 December, during winter, sunlight enters a hole in the wall and hits the sundial. Although the sundial is ancient, it still works and helps set the time for the city’s clocks.

Bonus fun fact about Duomo di Milano

Jesus’ crucifixion nail is in Duomo di Milano

One of the three nails used to nail Jesus to the cross is here. It’s a special nail kept in the dome above the apse, and a small red light makes it easy to spot. Every year, during the Rite of the Nivola celebration, the nail is placed and displayed to the public for three days. Leonardo da Vinci made a lift to get to the nail because he didn’t like climbing ladders.

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