Cathedral Duomo from Cellars to Terraces

What to Expect

More than just a sight
First, I will introduce you to the ensemble of the Duomo Square - the central point of Milan. You will unravel the symbolism of the sculptures and bas-reliefs of the square, notice the dome of the San Gottardo bell tower and the place where Mussolini delivered speeches. And later on, we will focus on the history of the amazing cathedral, which is still under construction. The place where the Duomo stands became sacred even during the Gallo-Roman period and continued to be so with the arrival of the Romans - in the excavation area, you will see the ruins of the first Christian temple and the basilica of St. Tecla from the 4th century. I will tell you how the cathedral is connected with the destiny of Napoleon Bonaparte and the American Statue of Liberty, about the people who contributed to the construction of the Duomo, about the most unusual and important details in the exterior appearance of the temple. Duomo translates as 'House of God' for a reason - it is an idea in stone, an embodiment that embodies so much emotional power, material resources, and jewelry work that every centimeter here can be explored.

'Statues whisper ancient secrets to each other'
The calling card of the Duomo is the beauty and harmony of its ensemble, in which every element, whether a sculpture or stained glass, can be accompanied by an elaborate commentary. For example, you will see a statue that 'links' the old Milanese legend of the dragon Tarantasio and the famous Visconti dynasty, note the change of architectural styles in the exterior and interior, and learn how many years, or rather decades, some 'accessories' inside the temple were made. When we ascend to the terraces of the cathedral made of rosy Candoglia marble, you will see the oldest spire of Carelli and learn about the greatest Italian donation, and at the same time you will think about whether you want to immortalize your name in the history of Milan. In the faces of the statues, I will help you read the destinies of entire dynasties, and in the copper statue of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the way to 'legalize' skyscrapers.

In the 'House of God'
The reservoir of riddles in the Duomo is inexhaustible. We will discuss the versions according to which at the Baptistery of San Giovanni there are exactly eight niches, examine a bath made of porphyry from the 4th century, and find the 'Sacred Nail'. I will show you where the rainwater pipes and lightning rods of the cathedral are 'hidden', decipher the allegorical images on the tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici, and explain what lies on the shoulder of the protector of fishermen. On the magnificent inlaid floor, we will step down to the crypt of Carlo Borromeo. There, near the crystal tomb, you will learn how this 'cardinal-son' was the only one of his kind to be canonized and why the history of his family is so amazing. And finally, we will peek into the treasure trove of the Duomo, where the treasures accumulated throughout the history of the cathedral are collected.