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Touring the Milan Duomo, Including the Roof!

01/15/20 | Europe, Italy, Lombardy, Milan, Solo Travel, Travel

Early Morning at the Milan Duomo

While I have at least a dozen Egypt posts to share with you all I am going to break it up as I still have a back log of travel content – I guess that is what happens when you visit 19 countries in one year.   It is also crazy to think we are now closer to the next season of sprint fashion week than we are to the shows that were in the fall – and that means I should really round out those s/S 2020 posts. This one is only tangentially related to fashion week as I rearranged my show schedule this fall in Milan to be able to tour the Duomo, both the inside and the roof. 

We started outside learned about how the solid blocks do marble were constructed and that our expensive tickets went to cover the 30 million euros they spend EVERY year in renovating the giant structure. It has been standing for more than 600 years and the guide did a great job setting the scene for us with facts like it used to only be lit inside by candlelight and it was quite dim with electric lights!

And despite my 10+ years of catholic school I still learned a few things about the Church and it’s buildings. For instance, the difference between a Duomo and a cathedral – the Duomo is the biggest church in the city and the Cathedral has nothing to do with the size, it is the seat of the bishop. There were other elements I definitely did know though – like the purpose of Stained glass windows was to teach the Bible to people who could not read, a technique originally invented in France and beautifully illustrated at Notre Dame.

Front of the Duomo di Milano from the PlazaIron Door of the Duomo di MilanoStained Glass Window in the DuomoMarble Floor of the DuomoStained Glass in the DuomoMain Alter of the DuomoCandles in the DuomoAlter in the Duomo di MilanoFront Entrance of the Milan DuomoDeep Green Printed Dress from Zara at the Milan Duomo

However, my favourite part of the  Duomo di Milano was the roof.  You can either climb to the top or take the elevator based on which ticket you buy but heading up to the top not only gives you a great view of Milan but also a new appreciation that the entire cathedral is made out of solid blocks of marble.  And given the material and age it is constantly under construction with a 30 million Euro renovation budget annually which is funded by tourist tickets. (There are many options to buy tickets, check them out ahead of time!) 

The guides where also quick to point out that it took 600 years to build and since they have technically not stopped building it, it has ben under construction fro longer than the Sagrada Famila in Barcelona – funny what people get competitive about!  I had a great time walking around the full permitter and getting up close and personal with the spires!

Duomo Roof Terraces SignRoof of the Milan DuomoArches on the Roof of the Milan DuomoDaytime Moon from the Top of the Milan DuomoTravel Fashion Blogger on the Milan Duomo RoofStatues on the Milan Duomo RoofStatues on the top of the Duomo di Milano

Would you visit the Milan Duomo? 

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Comments

  1. Margo says

    January 17, 2020 at 6:11 am

    They sure don’t make things like this in the states or almost anywhere for that matter. I always hear about the cathedral in Florence but I had no idea that the one in Milan was this gorgeous and large too.

    Thanks for sharing.

  2. Ashlee Stuart says

    January 16, 2020 at 9:44 am

    Italy has such beautiful architecture. We went this summer but didn’t make it to Milan. This gives me a reason to go back!

    Ashlee | https://www.maybeafterbrunch.com

  3. Charlotte says

    January 15, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    I agree with you the roof is insane. Wonderful that they put that much detail way up high. It kind of reminds me of the drip sand castles that I used to make at the beach as a little kid.

    The view from the top is pretty cool too.

  4. Amy says

    January 15, 2020 at 9:17 am

    Wow, what stunning architecture. They really knew how to create and make such beautiful things so long ago. Amazing too how well it has held up.

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog founded in 2012.  After six years of living in London I am back in New York with my husband and two littles! 

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