Milan Cathedral: How to Make the Best of Your Visit

Is Milan Cathedral Worth Visiting?

The inside of Milan Cathedral is absolutely worth a visit and a must see for anyone visiting Milan. An architectural marvel that showcases the rich history and grandeur of Milan. Its intricate design and stunning stained glass windows captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. This famous cathedral took centuries to build and there’s so much history at every turn. Towering columns, intricate vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. Milan Cathedral’s Gothic architecture is particularly stunning with its pointed arches and ornate details. There is a unique and powerful atmosphere that is difficult to describe here, a sense of awe and reverence that is palpable as soon as you enter. The sheer size of it is truly breathtaking.

In addition, the cathedral played an important role in the culture and religion of the Milanese people back then and still does as the beat of the city revolves around Piazza Duomo. The cathedral’s archaeological area, including the remains of San Gottardo Church, and its connection to Gian Galeazzo Visconti, further enhance its historical significance.

To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing tickets that grant access to the Duomo Museum and a guided tour of the cathedral, including the mesmerising terraces views that overlook the city’s rooftops for an unparalleled panorama. The cathedral’s stunning architecture, artistic treasures and rich history makes it one of the most impressive and memorable cathedrals in the world. Exploring this iconic landmark is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Milan’s culture , art and history which makes the inside of Milan Cathedral a worthy addition to your travel itinerary in Italy.

Here’s What You See Inside of Milan Cathedral

The inside of Milan Cathedral is as spectacular as the outside. From the outside of the Cathedral, though huge, I did not really feel how mega-huge it is until I stepped in.

Inside of Milan Cathedral is vast and elegant. The marble floor is captivating from the moment you step in. There are four aisles, crossed by transept, then the choir and apse. The nave is about 45 metres high (148 ft), the highest Gothic vaults. Milan Cathedral is 157 metres long. In all, if my maths is correct, it is almost 12,000 square metres, making this, one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the world.

The uniquely designed marble floor at Milan Cathedral

The marble floor has a unique design and style. Creating decorative patterns and designs on the floor, with contrasting white and darker coloured stones. It’s an impressive work of art that showcases the skill and creativity of the craftsmen who worked on them over the centuries. The beautiful marble floor just rules the Cathedral and has a legend. At one time, people set their watch by it!.

Sundial on the floor of Milan Cathedral

On the floor, along the left wall runs a long-gilded brass strip broken up by the twelve zodiac signs. It is a watch and a solar calendar — you could set your watch by it. The brass strip is the meridian and is also a sundial. Sunlight from a hole on the ceiling allows the sun to shine through and leave a mark on the zodiac sign on June 21^st (the summer solstice), and on December 21^st (winter solstice). The sun reaches the Meridian which is on the opposite wall.

At one time, Milan’s City’s clock was set by it and the Italians also used it as the prime reference for their astronomy. This ancient meridian and sundial were placed in 1768 by astronomers from the Accademia di Brera.

TIP: The brass strip is not as obvious as one would expect. There are no signs or information to guide tourists to the spot. It is near the left wall, close to the steps that lead to the rooftop. If you are on a guided tour, your guide will point out this important feature to you. I found this aspect of the visit to be really fascinating, noting the similarity of the zodiac signs back that many centuries ago to the present zodiac signs.

The Meridian at Milan Cathedral

Milan Cathedral was the astronomical reference for the Prime Meridian until it was replaced by Greenwich Meridian, England in 1884.

According to the Cathedral’s resources:

“Being a watch and a solar calendar perfectly working, it had required over centuries of several checks and restores. One of these was made in 1827 and it was necessary because of the lowering of the floor plan.

A second test was made in 1929 by astronomer Louis Gabba on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Observatory of Brera.

The last check was made in 1976 as the excavations of the first subway line and the lowering of the phreatic aquifer caused a further lowering of the Cathedral floor. The gnomic hole, site at the first vault of the first bay of south aisle, was also widened.”

DUOMO DI MILANO

Unfortunately for me, the sundial was presently not working because of work being carried out on the roof of the Cathedral. The use of scaffolding blocked the sunlight coming through the vault. Somehow, scaffolding seems more of a permanent feature these days as they were also up during my recent visit.

View article on The Royal Observatory, Greenwich

The legend

Although the Cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente (Saint Mary Nascent) and associated with Christianity, legend has it that it was also associated with pagan spirit which explains the unusual find of zodiac signs in a Christian place of worship.

The marble columns, paintings and private chapels inside Milan Cathedral

Milan Cathedral has a stunning array of marble columns, which add to the grandeur and beauty of this iconic cathedral. Large sculpted marble columns or pillars if you prefer, reach the ceiling. There are fifty-two columns, one for each week of the year and they are very high. Really high. Majestic, impressive and somewhat portrays a stately feel.  Looking up, the columns seemed to lead to heavens above!

There are large paintings on the walls, representing scenes from the bible.

There are private chapels where you can have a sit and reflect. Very quiet, peaceful and a sense of calmness all around.  

Stained glass windows at Milan Cathedral

Milan Cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows. The cathedral contains over fifty-five windows, with three huge windows at the back, behind the altar. The windows are decorated with intricate designs and vivid colours that create a breathtaking spectacle when sunlight streams through them. Some of the most notable stained glass windows include:

• The Rose Window: Located in the south transept, this window is one of the largest in the cathedral. It dates back to the 16th century. The window showcases an intricate design of over 1800 individual pieces of glass arranged in a complex geometric pattern.

• The Lancet Windows: These are tall, narrow windows which you’ll see located in the nave of the cathedral. These date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The windows depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as images of saints and angels.

• The Apse Windows: These are located in the apse of the cathedral and were created in the 19th century. These windows are composed of vividly coloured glass and depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Walking around the Cathedral, you’ll notice that the Cathedral is lit-up by sunlight seeping through these stained-glass windows that give a sort of enlightening charm. Windows are also lit from the inside to aid visitors to appreciate the details that these windows depict.

The stained glass windows in Milan Cathedral are a major attraction for visitors to the cathedral. It adds to the sense of awe and wonder that is felt when standing in the presence of this magnificent architectural masterpiece.

Info: Stained glassmaking is an art that developed along with the Milan Cathedral over the many centuries that had taken to complete this majestic structure. It began in the early 1400s and the most recent stained-glass window at Milan Cathedral was made in 1988.

FUN FACT: It appears that one of the colours used in the cathedral’s windows is saffron. Hence, it is believed that it is for this reason that this delicious spice made its presence in the city’s foodie scene, becoming the main ingredient of the famous Milanese risotto.

The statue of Bartholomew the Apostle, patron saint of the tanners

The statue of St Bartholomew is a striking work of art. It is a marble sculpture depicting the Apostle Bartholomew, holding his flayed skin off his shoulders as a reference to the martyrdom he suffered.

The statue was created by the Italian sculptor, Marco d’Agrate in the mid-16th century and is located on a pillar on the left side of the choir area of the cathedral. The sculpture stands at over 1.8 metres (6ft) tall and is highly detailed. Intricate carvings of veins and muscle tissue are visible on the skin. He has his foot on a pedestal and his facial expression is contemplative.

The statue of St Bartholomew is considered one of the masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture and is admired for its technical skill and emotional power. It is one of the key features of Milan Cathedral which are quite often easily missed as you walk by completely taken in by the large colourful stained glass windows.

Home to one of the precious objects in Christianity

I learnt that the Cathedral is home to one of the most precious objects in Christianity. This is where one of the nails used during the Crucifixion of Christ is placed. The public can only see it once a year, on the Saturday closest to 14 September when the nail is exhibited at the altar until the Monday after evening prayers.

Info: If you want to see this precious object, Plan your travels around the Saturday closest to the 14^th September. Also, to bear in mind, it will be one of the busiest times at the Cathedral.

Crypt

You will find the crypt through a mini stairway. It is in the Chaple of Saint Charles Borromeo, where the remains of Saint Charles Borromeo are buried since 3^rd November 1584.

Photography is not allowed here, understandably.

The Archaeological Area in Milan Cathedral: Baptistry

Archaeological excavations of the baptistery at Milan Cathedral, also known as the Battistero di San Giovanni alle Fonti, have revealed fascinating insights into the early Christian history of Milan.

The baptistery is located to the east of the Cathedral. It dates back to the 4th century AD, making it one of the oldest Christian buildings in Milan. Excavations at the site began in the 20th century and have uncovered numerous artefacts and structures that shed light on the early Christian community in Milan.

One of the most significant discoveries at the site was a large baptismal font, which was used for the baptism of converts to Christianity. The font is octagonal in shape. It is believed to date back to the 4th century. Legend has it that Saint Ambroise baptised Saint Augustin in 387 AD in the very same octagonal baptismal font.

Other discoveries include the remains of a 5th century apse believed to belong to the Basilica di Santa Tecla, which preceded the current cathedral. Fragments of frescoes and mosaics that once adorned the walls of the baptistery were also uncovered and you can see these during your visit.

I’d highly encourage a visit to the Baptistery at Milan Cathedral. It is one of the highlights of the cathedral that offers a glimpse into the art and culture of the early Christian community in Milan.

TIP: Visits to the Baptistry are limited in numbers. If you see a queue, return in a short while. It doesn’t take very long to go around.

Therefore, the best of Milan Cathedral inside includes these 8 places:

• The uniquely designed marble floor at Milan Cathedral;
• Sundial on the floor of Milan Cathedral and zodiac signs;
• The towering marble columns, paintings and private chapels inside Milan Cathedral;
• Stained glass windows in Milan Cathedral;
• The statue of Bartholomew the Apostle and his flayed skin;
• Home to one of the precious objects in Christianity;
• The Crypt;
• The Archaeological area and Baptistry.

Love It or Hate It?

Milan Cathedral was built over 600 centuries resulting in a number of contrasting styles.

Reactions have ranged from admiration to disfavour. John Ruskin, an English writer and an Art Critic in the early 20th century commented that the cathedral showcases “every style in the world: and every style is spoiled”.

Whereas, Henry James, an America-British author said of Milan Cathedral as “A structure not supremely interesting, not logical, not … commandingly beautiful, but grandly curious and superbly rich. … If it had no other distinction it would still have that of impressive, immeasurable achievement … a supreme embodiment of vigorous effort.”

Whether one loves it or hates it, there is no denying that Milan Cathedral is a unique, majestic, elaborate structure in Italy and the centrepiece of the entire city of Milan.

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