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Picture yourself standing in Milan's bustling heart, gazing up at the magnificent Duomo di Milano. Construction began way back in 1386, right where the ancient basilicas of Santa Tecla and Santa Maria Maggiore once stood. These were ultimately taken down to make way for this breathtaking cathedral. Dedicated to Maria Nascente, the Duomo was the brainchild of Gian Galeazzo Visconti. It served a dual mission: to replace the existing places of worship with something grander and to flaunt the Visconti family's ambitious expansion plans.
This cathedral isn't just any building. It's the largest and most intricate Gothic structure in Italy, crafted from pink-veined white marble sourced from the Candoglia quarries in Val d'Ossola. Stretching 157 meters long and covering a whopping 11,700 square meters, the Duomo is an architectural marvel. Its tallest spire reaches 108.5 meters. Perched atop it, since October 1774, is a stunning 4.16-meter-tall golden statue of the Madonna, crafted by the talented sculptor Giuseppe Perego.
Creating such a masterpiece wasn't a quick task. It took over five centuries, with architects, sculptors, artists, and workers from both local and European origins contributing to the Fabbrica del Duomo. What emerged from their combined efforts is a one-of-a-kind architectural style, blending European Gothic elements with Lombard traditions. As you stroll through the square, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details and the sheer scale of the Duomo. Each spire, each statue tells a story, a testament to the city's rich history and its cultural heritage. And if you're up for it, head inside to explore its vast interiors, or better yet, climb to the rooftop for a breathtaking view of Milan. It's an experience that seamlessly marries the past with the present, leaving you in awe of the artistry and dedication that spanned generations.
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Malang, Indonesia Behold Milan's Awe-Inspiring Gothic Cathedral
Even viewed only from the outside, the Duomo di Milano inspires awe with its grand scale and intricately ornate Gothic design. As the third largest church in Europe, this 14th century cathedral dominates the Milan skyline with its forest of soaring spires and towers that seem to touch the heavens.
The elaborately sculpted marble facade stopped me in my tracks – an overwhelming cascade of arches, statues, and bas-relief scenes. I craned my neck trying to take it all in – from the majestic main entrance flanked by lions, to the Madonnina statue sparkling in gold some 356 feet above. No matter where you stand, there are biblical figures gazing out across the piazza with stone drapery billowing behind them.
I imagined the legions of artisans across six centuries chiseling away to create this flamboyant Gothic spectacle. The experience left me with a profound appreciation what humans can achieve through immense dedication to artistic and engineering vision on a grand scale. Even unstepped inside, the Duomo di Milano is sure to impress with its ambitious vertical reach reflecting the glory of God and the endless creativity of mankind.
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Behold Milan's Awe-Inspiring Gothic Cathedral 
29 November 2023
Even viewed only from the outside, the Duomo di Milano inspires awe with its grand scale and intricately ornate Gothic design. As the third largest church in Europe, this 14th century cathedral dominates the Milan skyline with its forest of soaring s
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Sforza Castle
Castello Sforzesco is a delightful surprise, a monument brimming with specialized museums and echoes of Milan's storied past. It's an oasis where art and culture thrive. This fascinating structure began as a Visconti fortress and later became the res
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