The Duomo, the third largest cathedral in the world, is located in the heart of Milan (the middle of the spiderweb), which is 6 stops down from my metro stop. Coming out of the Duomo metro stop is a breathtaking experience, even before you reach the top of the stairs, the spires of the Duomo dominate your entire view. I am still awestruck each time I pass, but the Milanese seem to breeze through the piazza without a second glance! This giant cathedral was started in 1386 and construction continued until 1813 (although due to the literally never-ending maintenance, upkeep and cleaning, many argue that the Duomo is never truly finished). Never a city to permit falling behind the times, the exterior was constructed in the french inspired gothic style which was at the time of construction very avant-garde. 
close up of the two men at the base of the outer left tower (if you look at the bottom left corner of the picture above, you can see how these larger than life-size statues are dwarfed by the entire facade)
from below
the little cherub faces below the two men- one seems to have been either restored or replaced
one of the side doors
I hope you enjoyed the mini tour! I will have more pictures when the weather isn't so grey and gloomy, but I couldn't resist giving you guys a little teaser.
Ciao for Now!
Note (for Tori, mainly): All the pictures that appear on the blog were taken by me unless otherwise specified.
Bueno, bueno photos! Your virtual tour just made Daddy and I want to book an earlier flight to Milan...maybe tomorrow? We imagine that you must have a permanent crick in your neck from all the gazing upwards you are doing! We dined at Mingo's last night in your Italian honor and can't wait to take you there, mia bella.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mommy and Daddy
These places are absolutely amazing! love you xoxo
ReplyDeleteWow.. that is a heck of a building!! Thanks for posting, hope you don't mind me following along on your journey!
ReplyDeleteLucien- I'm delighted to have you reading my blog! Feel free to add yourself to my followers- it makes me feel special- ha! And happy birthday, btw.
ReplyDeleteKatie - great shots of the Duomo...molta benni...it brings back so many memories of my backpack trek through Italy, England and France just after I graduated from UofO. Thanks for posting all these images to your blog and keeping us up to date on your adventure. Be safe. All our love to you, JJMM&M
ReplyDeleteKatie! I'm def following your blog! Love the photos. The Duomo looks amazing!
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