One of Milan's most magnificent buildings is the Duomo. It dominates Piazza del Duomo. It's been more than 600 years since this enormous cathedral was built.

The location is stunning, exudes a serene atmosphere, and draws a huge number of people of all ages and backgrounds. Thus, you really must visit it on your next vacation to Milan. Even though there is no dome visible in this Cathedral, the residents here refer to it as the "Duomo." The Cathedral's white façade is covered with intricate, lace-like decorations. giving a gentle charm to this huge Gothic structure. The Duomo di Milano tour is now both the biggest church in Italy and the Archdiocese of Milan.

Fact 1: It took 600 years

Surely good things require time? It is a genuine tribute to this cathedral, I suppose.

The Duomo's formal construction officially started in 1386 and was finished in 1900. Antonio da Saluzzo, the archbishop, ordered it. Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who was the king of Milan and had grand ideas for the cathedral, also provided funding for the building of the Duomo.

Terracotta stone was used to build Duomo's base, but Condoglian marble from Lake Maggiore was used to complete it. The entire structure was made of pink and white marble. To get the marble to the Cathedral, canals were excavated from the quarries. Napoleon was responsible for completing Duomo's façade.

Fact 2: Unknown architect?

Many architects were consulted throughout Duomo's design and construction. The Duomo's archives now show that between the 1300s and 1900s, the building's construction and renovation involved hundreds of architects. Many architects were consulted throughout the Duomo's design and construction. But to this date, there hasn’t been a confirmation of who was the real mastermind of this archaeological glory. It just adds to the mystery of the Duomo Milan tour.

Fact 3: The Origin Of Navigli Canals

Duomo's building had a favourable impact on the entire city. The white-pinkish marble from the Candoglia Quarry was used to construct the cathedral. The masons and architects had to come up with a quick means to get the marble to the site. When transportation was an option, they travelled by water. Along the rivers, the marble was transported to Milan, and when the rivers ceased, canals were constructed. The canals remained after construction was finished and eventually turned into a tourist destination.

The Navigli canals are now a part of the city and are surrounded by bars, stores, and street markets.

Fact 4: Highest Number Of Statues

The largest collection of sculptures is found in this cathedral. On the exterior, at the spires, and inside are the exquisitely crafted sculptures. Most visitors to the Duomo are awestruck by the sculptures and spend their time examining each one.

Fact 5: The Vintage Sundial

A sundial is located on the floor beside Duomo's main entrance. On the other wall, there is a hole through which a ray of sunshine enters and strikes the clock. This occurs on June 21, the summer solstice, and on December 21, the winter solstice meridian.

The sundial, which is centuries old yet still functional, is used to set clocks around the city.