The history of the Duomo

Duomo di Milano, also known as the Milan Cathedral, is Italy’s largest church and one of the most awe-inspiring cathedrals in the world. Built primarily in the Gothic style, but with a unique blend of Baroque and Renaissance influences, its construction spanned over 600 years. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Duomo one of Italy’s most beloved and most visited landmarks.

Construction began in 1386, sparked by the ambitious vision of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who dreamed of a cathedral grand enough to rival the great churches of northern Europe. Over the centuries, dozens of architects, engineers, and artists left their mark on the project—including Leonardo da Vinci, who was consulted on the dome design, and Napoleon Bonaparte, who ordered the façade’s completion before his coronation as King of Italy.

Today the cathedral is home to The Holy Nail, a relic believed to be from the True Cross, which hangs above the altar and is ceremonially lowered each year. The chapel also houses one of the largest pipe organs in Italy. The cathedral is also home to more than 3,400 statues, nicknamed “The Marble Forest.”

Crowning the cathedral is the Madonnina, a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary perched atop the tallest spire. For centuries, she was the highest point in Milan. In the 20th century, when taller skyscrapers were finally built, a replica of the Madonnina was placed atop each one—a tradition meant to preserve her symbolic watch over the city.

Though widely considered a Gothic cathedral, the Duomo’s blend of Baroque and Renaissance elements stirred controversy for centuries. Northern European architects often clashed with their Italian counterparts over what "true Gothic" should look like. Some called the Milan Cathedral chaotic for its hybrid style. But today, it’s precisely this fusion of styles that makes the Duomo di Milano so extraordinary.

The Duomo is a masterpiece shaped by centuries of vision, devotion, and debate. It’s no wonder why the cathedral l is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.