Quantcast
Channel: My Travelogue - Indian Travel Blogger, Heritage enthusiast & UNESCO hunter!
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 428

Duomo di Milano - Part 1 (Milan - Italy)

$
0
0
Getting out of the intercity train, I headed right to the metro station and got the 1 day pass and headed to Milan Duomo. It’s the largest church in Italy (considering St.Peter’s Basilica is in Vatican Nation!). It was about 4pm by the time I reached Milan Cathedral. It was open till 7pm and so was the Archaeological Area and Terraces. However the Crypt was only till 5.30pm and Museum was only open till 6pm. However I did was to go to terrace first, so that I can enjoy the place before it gets too dark!

Since I had opted for ascent by lift, it was quick, or rather that’s what I thought. The lift actually takes you through half the distance. Beyond that, anyways, you’ve gotta climb up. Its somewhat similar to the climbing needed in Copenhagen Spire or Basel Munster, just that, here the whole bits and pieces of staircases are all outside, in open air. Short walk, small staircase, change direction, short walk, small staircase, change direction, repeat…….. But all that is totally worth it. The view is excellent, but what’s more mesmerizing is the ability to get to see the sculpture up and close!!!

If you’re an architecture student, this is your heaven! I don’t remember why or where I read about Flying Buttress longback, but this place is just filled with those!!! These arches support the spires atop them which is the signature look of Milan Duomo


Even from a distance what makes Milan Duomo so spectacular are its spires. And climbing up the terrace and to see them upclose was even better. These are 17m tall. At some places the sculptures were too unbelievable!!!  There were some sculptures that were fitted within 3 columns and that’s just splendid! Though it was not all carved one piece of stone, it was a visual delight. There are 135 spires with over 1800 statues!

The construction of the Duomo began in 1386. Its construction happened bit by bit every century. The façade that we see today as well as the stained glass work was made in 1800-1900. The Madonnina sculpture atop was made in 1650-1800. The sculptor was Giuseppe Perego and he designed and made this in wood. Later goldsmith Giuseppe Bini added copper plates over the wooden model and iron rods were inserted into the wooden model. Recently while restoration, the iron rod was replaced with stainless steel. Madonnina stands tall today at 4.16m.

After enjoying the terrace (not that its enough, but I had to see the rest of the Cathedral as well!), I went down and entered the Cathedral. Its high ceiling, and stained glass windows plus the gorgeous flying buttress, this is the perfect symbol of Neo Gothic architecture!
There is so much more to the Cathedral and one post isn't enough. So will continue the rest in the upcoming post.

To Get There:
Nearest Metro Station: Duomo (red and yellow lines stop here)
Entry tickets begin at € 2.50.
However the Duomo Pass A, gives entry to Cathedral, Terrace by lift, Museum, Archaeological Area and San Gottardo Church. That is priced at € 15,00. 
Duomo Pass B gives the same entry, but the access to Terrace is on foot and that’s priced at € 11,00
Can be bought online from their website

Here are some tips:
If you have a bad knee, you may not want to try climbing the terrace.
The security is really heavy, so be prepared to an airport styled security check to enter the Cathedral! My power bank was examined thoroughly before letting me in!!!
The best way to explore Milan is by taking the 1 day transport pass. 

P.S: I was invited by Duomo di Milano to experience the Cathedral for review purposehowever the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.

Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 428

Trending Articles