Santuario di Maria Nascente

Gazing upon Santuario di Maria Nascente, can you believe this magnificent structure took nearly six centuries to complete? Construction at Santuario di Maria Nascente began in 1386, and the final details were completed in 1965. The cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Milano, stands as the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world. Dedicated to Saint Mary of the Nativity, the Duomo’s golden statue of the Madonnina, the little Madonna, shines atop its highest spire. The Duomo replaced the 11th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Milan. The church’s Gothic style, rare in Italy at the time, influenced the “gotico fiorito” or flowery Gothic. This unique style features delicate stone ornamentation resembling flowers. It subsequently inspired buildings in Venice such as the Ca’ d’Oro. The vast square before the Duomo, called il sagrato, is dominated by the cathedral’s presence. Over the centuries, countless architects and artists shaped the Duomo into the masterpiece we see today. Filippino degli Organi designed the apse, vault, and terraces in 1400. Pope Martin V consecrated the main altar in 1418. The Sforza lords pushed construction forward. In the 15th century, three generations of the Solari family, Guiniforte, Giovanni, and Pier Antonio, contributed their artistry to the Duomo. Despite the prevailing Renaissance style, architect Giovanni Antonio Amadeo championed the Gothic style. He implemented the first four spires. In 1567, Saint Carlo Borromeo commissioned Pellegrino Pellegrini to complete the facade. He re-consecrated the altar in 1572. The project seemed never-ending, passing through the hands of Lelio Buzzi, Fabio Mangoni, Richini, and Quadrio. By the 17th century, the facade became distinctly Gothic with the addition of hundreds of spires. The tallest spire was installed in 1765, followed by the golden Madonnina in 1774. Napoleon I charged Carlo Amati with completing the church in 1805. He himself was crowned King of Italy in the Duomo that same year. Napoleon’s coronation in the Duomo tied him to Charlemagne. He used the Iron Crown of Lombardy. This legendary crown is believed to contain a nail from Christ’s cross. The seemingly endless additions and renovations continue even today. Two major restorations took place, one in 1935 and the other after World War II. Allied bombings heavily damaged the city. The inauguration of the new sagrato happened only in 1966. Inside the Duomo, massive pillars create a forest-like atmosphere. Stained glass windows cast a rainbow of light, inspiring awe and reverence. Below lies the crypt. Saint Carlo Borromeo rests here in a rock crystal urn, adorned with precious gems. A climb to the roof offers breathtaking views. But be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart. From the roof, you can see the Royal Palace. The Museum of the Duomo, located on its ground floor, houses original statues for safekeeping. Room 13 contains terracotta models of the Madonnina. The Duomo stands as a symbol of Milan. It’s an architectural marvel. Its construction spanned centuries. It remains a living testament to artistic devotion and the enduring spirit of the Milanese people.