Trip to Italy - Milan

July 31, 2016

Milan is a metropolis in Italy's northern Lombardy region. It is a global capital of fashion and design, national stock exchange, and known for its high-end dining and shopping.

View of the city from our hotel balcony.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente or II Duomo. One of the most magnificent churches in the world and can seat up to 40,000 people at one time.

Building of the II Duomo began in the 14th century and was not completed until the early 1800s, (with final finishes in 1965) under Napoleon, - it seats the Archbishop of Milan.

The Duomo's architecture is Flamboyant Gothic style and is the largest Gothic cathedral and 2nd largest Catholic cathedral in the world.

The Cathedral is decorated with tons of beautifully sculpted statues and spires.

The material used in making the Duomo is brick with Candoglia marble.

The inside of the Duomo has 52 gigantic pillars.

Five large naves are divided by the 52 pillars - one for each week of the year.

The pillars and naves support the cross vaulted ceiling.

The 3 large stained glass windows are the highest in the world.

There are 3 magnificent altars designed by Pellegrino Pellegrini.

The 3 main altars also include renowned art and masterpieces.

A small red bulb in the dome above the apse marks the spot where one of the nails from Christ's Crucifixion has been placed.

There are also numerous smaller alters for everyday worship.

The Cathedral's organ is a 5-manual 225-rank pipe-organ built by Tamburini & Mascioni on Mussolini's command.

The Duomo also had numerous rooms of artifacts and statues.

Bronze sculpture of Heavenly Father.

Bronze Cruicifix

Saint Peter holding the Priesthood keys.

Mary Magdalene

Heavenly Father & Adam

Eve

Job and Satan

Wooden model of the Duomo before the original was built.

Remains of an early church and baptistery in Duomo's basement. Dating back to 4th century the baptismal font is octagonal with two canals to feed font, it also has marble pavement surround.

Also found in the basement of the Duomo were fresco's, inscriptions, bits of mosaics, artifacts, and ancient coins.

There are more statues on the Duomo than any other structure in the world with 3159 statues-2245 on the exterior, and 96 gargoyles.

There are 250 steps leading to the rooftop which is just as amazing as the inside of the Duomo.

Climbing Duomo's stairs to the rooftop.

Stuck in Duomo stairwell until a thunder storm passes.

The rooftop is adorned with marble pinnacles and 135 spires set upon flying buttresses...

View of Royal Palace of Milan from Duomo rooftop.

Panorama of Duomo's rooftop.

On top of Duomo!

Madonnina (Little Madonna) - copper statue of virgin Mary covered with 3900 pieces of gold leaf, cast in 1774, it stands almost 14 ft tall, and used to be highest point in city.