MILAN: THE DUOMO

First stop was the Duomo of Milan, which is renowned for being the third largest in Europe, following the illustrious St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The Duomo of Milan tells a story of faith and art spanning over six centuries. Construction work on the Duomo of Milan probably began in 1386 and ended in 1965.  In October 1387 the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo was founded at the instigation of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, with the aim of continuing with the design and construction of the church. Gian Galeazzo’s decision to use Candoglia marble instead of the traditional Lombard brick was accompanied by a real revolution in style through the choice of Gothic, which forced the Fabbrica to look for engineers, architects, sculptors and stone-cutters from all around Europe. Another interesting tidbit is that the city of Milan owns the basilica, not the vatican. The consortium that decided to build it back in the 14th century also purchased the quarry to assure a source of stone to complete the building.

This magnificent structure stands as a testament to architectural grandeur and religious significance.. The basilica's impressive facade, adorned with intricate sculptures and detailed carvings, draws the eye to explore its rich history and spiritual atmosphere. Inside, the vast nave stretches majestically, lined with ornate columns and breathtaking artwork that spans centuries, showcasing the talent of various artists and architects who have contributed to its beauty over time.

The atmosphere within is one of reverence and awe as you take in the stained glass windows that filter sunlight into vibrant hues. The windows are original and were not destroyed during WWII.

As we wandered through the basilica, we were struck by the sheer scale of its design and the intricate details that tell stories of faith, devotion, and artistry, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Having been to the Temples of Karnak in Egypt, whenever I see gothic church columns it brings back memories of Karnak and Luxor where the columns are even grander than the Duomo, which is quite remarkable when considering the Egyptians build Karnak about 2055 BCE.

For a bit of visual comparison, here is a pic from Karnak.

The duomo is situate in front of a large plaza, not originally planned that way, but happenstance over the years is how it evolved. Highlights include some brutalist buildings to the left built by Mussolini and a galleria to the right which was the original mall.