Piazza del Duomo
| The Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) is a magnificent Gothic church with construction spanning nearly six centuries, starting in 1386 and only finishing in 1965. It's the largest church in Italy and the fifth-largest in the world. A unique feature is its impressive collection of over 3,400 statues adorning the facade, spires, and rooftops. This fusion of international Gothic style with traditional Lombard architecture makes it a landmark of artistic and historical significance in Milan. |
| The Terrazze del Duomo are the rooftop terraces of Milan's cathedral, offering panoramic views of the city and a closer look at its intricate Gothic architecture. These terraces, accessible to visitors, showcase the cathedral's iconic spires and statues, including the golden Madonnina. Historically, they represent the extraordinary craftsmanship that spanned centuries of construction and restoration, making them a unique and significant aspect of the Duomo experience. |
| The Madonnina ("Our Lady of the Assumption") is a golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop Milan Cathedral. Installed in 1774, it stands at 108.5 meters high, serving as a symbol of Milan for centuries. Traditionally, no building in Milan was to be taller than the Madonnina. When modern skyscrapers surpassed it, replicas were placed on top to maintain the tradition. It remains a beloved icon of the city. |
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (L), Duomo di Milano (R)
| The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built between 1865 and 1877, is an iconic example of 19th-century neoclassical architecture in Milan. Its grand exterior features an iron and glass dome, flanked by elegant facades. Historically significant as one of the oldest shopping malls in the world, it symbolizes Italy's unity and prosperity. The gallery is named after King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, and remains a central social and cultural hub in Milan. To its right is a portion of front façade of Duomo di Milano. |
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Interior
| The interior of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a grand, covered passageway featuring a cross-shaped structure adorned with an iron-and-glass vaulted ceiling. Its richly decorated floors showcase mosaics representing the Italian cities. The central dome creates an open, airy space. The Galleria connects Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala, with its north passageway open to the Leolardo Monument (see below) at the center of Piazza della Scala, viewable at the lower center of this image. |
| The Monument to Leonardo da Vinci, located in Piazza della Scala, was inaugurated in 1872. Designed by sculptor Pietro Magni, it features a central statue of Leonardo surrounded by four of his students: Cesare da Sesto, Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio, Andrea Salaino, and Marco d'Oggiono. This monument symbolizes Leonardo's lasting influence on art and science. Its prominent placement near Milan's renowned La Scala theatre reflects the city's pride in its cultural heritage, particularly its connection to the Renaissance master. |
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