Consider the Duomo di Milano. Is it merely a building or a testament to centuries of ambition? This is Santa Maria Nascente. It is also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary. It is the very heart of Milan. The cathedral stands as a symbol of faith and artistic achievement.
Construction began in 1386. Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo wanted a grand cathedral. It was intended to reward the noble and working classes. They had suffered under the previous ruler. Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the archbishop’s cousin, supported the project. The Duomo was also meant to emphasize Milan’s importance. Visconti resided in Pavia not Milan.
Before construction started, three buildings were demolished. These included the Archbishop’s palace. The old church of Sta Maria Maggiore became a stone quarry. Gian Galeazzo and the archbishop collected donations. The construction program was strictly regulated. The Fabbrica del Duomo oversaw everything. Simone da Orsenigo led 300 employees as chief engineer.
Visconti wanted the latest European architectural trends. In 1389, Nicolas de Bonaventure, a French engineer, was appointed. He added Rayonnant Gothic elements to the design. Galeazzo gave the Fabbrica exclusive use of marble from the Candoglia quarry. The project was also exempted from taxes.
Jean Mignot, another French architect, was called in 1399. He was to improve the work. Mignot declared the work was in peril of ruin because it was done without science. Mignot’s forecasts spurred engineers to improve techniques.
Gian Galeazzo wanted to transform the cathedral. He wanted it to be the Visconti dynastic mausoleum. This met with opposition. The Milanese wanted to underline their autonomy. Work proceeded quickly. By Gian Galeazzo’s death in 1402, almost half the cathedral was complete.
Construction stalled until 1480 due to lack of funds. Notable works from this period include tombs. The tombs were of Marco Carelli and Pope Martin V. The windows of the apse were also created.
Leonardo da Vinci and Donato Bramante created designs for the central cupola in 1488. From 1500 to 1510, the octagonal cupola was completed. It was decorated with statues of saints and prophets. The exterior lacked decoration except for the Guglietto dell’Amadeo. This Renaissance spire harmonized with the Gothic style.
During Spanish domination, the church was usable but unfinished. In 1552, Giacomo Antegnati built a large organ. Giuseppe Meda provided reliefs for the altar area. Marco d’Agrate’s St Bartholomew statue was added in 1562. The Trivulzio candelabrum also found its place here.
Carlo Borromeo became archbishop. He removed lay monuments from the Duomo. In 1571, he appointed Pellegrino Pellegrini as chief engineer. This was controversial. Pellegrini designed a Renaissance facade. A competition was announced.
The facade design was never carried out. Interior decoration continued. The presbytery was rebuilt between 1575 and 1585. New altars and the baptistery were added. In 1577, Borromeo consecrated the edifice as a new church.
Federico Borromeo laid the foundations for a new facade in the 17th century. Work continued until 1638. In 1649, Carlo Buzzi reverted the facade to the original Gothic style. Other designs were provided. The Madonnina’s spire was erected in 1762. It reached a height of 108.5 m.
Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the facade to be finished in 1805. Pellicani followed Buzzi’s project. A statue of Napoleon was placed on one of the spires. In the following years, missing arches and spires were constructed. The last portal was inaugurated in 1965.
The Duomo suffered damage during World War II. It was quickly repaired. The main facade was renovated from 2003 to 2009. In 2012, a campaign was launched to raise funds for preservation.
Inside Santa Maria Nascente, you will discover monuments and artworks. The statue of Saint Bartholomew Flayed is a highlight. The sarcophagi of archbishops Ottone Visconti and Giovanni Visconti are also present. The monument to Gian Giacomo Medici di Marignano is in the right transept. The presbytery is a Renaissance masterpiece. The Trivulzio Candelabrum is housed in the transepts. A red light bulb marks the spot of the Holy Nail.
Milan Cathedral is more than stones and statues. It embodies Milan’s spirit. It showcases perseverance and artistic vision. Each spire and statue whispers stories of faith, art and history. It’s a place where you can experience the sublime.