Thursday, August 8, 2013

Milan’s Duomo – The Inside Story

Milan, Italy  - “What can you tell us?” asked friends who are planning a trip there next year. 

So many things come to mind – fashion and food among them – but what symbolizes this capital of the Lombardy region in Northern Italy for us is its Duomo (ˈdwōmō); Cathedral.

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Each time we’ve visited the city with a 1.35 million population, we’ve been two tourist pilgrims, setting out on foot - just as religious pilgrims must have done before us - making our way to the imposing Gothic Italian structure eagerly seeking the first sight of its towering spires.

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We entered Piazza del Duomo at the back of the Cathedral last fall, our mid-morning arrival before buses disgorged the masses of fellow tourists who fill the square, each angling for the best shot of the building that stands 148-feet (45 meters) tall and took six centuries to complete.

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At this time of day there were no lines waiting to enter the Duomo dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente.

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This seat of the Archbishop of Milan is crowned with 135 spires. On a previous visit we took the rooftop tour and walked among those intricately sculpted towers – it was amazing and we highly recommend it.

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It isn’t until you go inside that you grasp just how enormous this place is and you understand why its construction took 600 years.

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At 5’10” The Scout shrinks in size when compared to those massive pillars.

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And how about that wall of organ pipes?

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The stained glass windows which tower over visitors are works of art that tell through their illustrations the stories of the Virgin and Saints and, as such, were once considered  Biblia Pauperum, a pauper’s bible – easy to read and appealing.

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The Duomo’s 3,400 statues and 700 figures are decorating elements typical of  all Gothic Cathedrals, used to send the message of Christian salvation (sometimes, rather violently depicted it seems, as illustrated in the photo above!)

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And other times quite whimsical as we noted with this fellow – one of many such figures on the Duomo’s exterior.

That’s it for Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox and Travel Photo Discovery updated each Monday.

If You Go:

Map picture
Duomo Milano
Piazza el Duomo, Milano
www.duomomilano.it

As always, thanks for the time you spent with us today. Happy Travels!

22 comments:

  1. These pics are amazing, Jackie! I always like pictures of cathedrals and castles. Does the organ still work? I keep thinking about what that would sound like...jaw dropping I'm sure!

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    1. Thanks much Mike! Yes, the organ still functions - even though I likely wouldn't understand a word of the service, it would be an amazing experience to go to a service here.

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  2. Really beautiful! It's on my list to see))

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    1. Great to hear from you! How are you and where are you these days? Drop us a note sometime!

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  3. wonderful tour, I loved seeing all the details, it's been a long time since I've been there, amazing!

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    1. Noel, thanks for stopping by Noel and glad you enjoyed the tour!

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  4. I am always amazed and awed at the churches and cathedrals in Europe. How can it take 600 years to build something, and have it look this beautiful? You pictures are fab, Jackie!

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    1. Thanks, Nancie. I am also amazed at the work -- and how difficult it must have been -- without computers, hydralic lifts, etc to build such magnificent structures. Thanks for stopping by . . .I love TPThurdays at your place!

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  5. 600 years - my goodness! How many architects and builders would have put their own stamps on this magnificent cathedral in this time. I love European Cathedrals. We have nothing that grand here. The artistic craftmanship is amazing. I am trying to think of the name of the movie about the building of such a cathedral - but it escapes me right now.
    Thanks for taking us on the tour, have a great weekend and thank you for stoppping by my blog today. I hope you get to try a quince one day.

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    1. Same here on the cathedrals, Jill. Our National Cathedral in WA DC is pretty impressive, but still pales in comparison to those in Europe. When I eat that first quince I will think of you!

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  6. Great shots, Jackie. I was totally amazed by the beauty and size of the duomo. I really didn't expect it to be so spectacular. We spent quite a bit of time there, inside and up on the roof, but I'd still go back again next time I get to Milan.

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    1. It is pretty mind-boggling big isn't it Cathy? Hope to return to this most interesting city one day!

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  7. I love ornate cathedrals like these. I haven't been to Milan yet but your pictures just gave me a great virtual tour. What a spectacular place and no wonder it took 600 years to build. Beautiful - inside and out.

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    1. When you do get to Milan, make sure you pay a visit to this place - it is simply amazing! Thanks for stopping by Mary!

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  8. Wow, marvelous architecture! looks a great heritage site to visit. both interior and exterior areas are so many beautiful and spectacular. i glad that found your blog.
    such a great tour friend...

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    1. Welcome to TravelnWrite - hope you'll be a follower (see Google Friends on the front page) or a subscriber, right above it. Thanks for writing.

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    2. Thanks for your expectation! but you're also welcome, friend.

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  9. I've never been to Milan, but if I do go, this looks like a very interesting stop. I enjoy Gothic architecture, and the Duomo looks like a prime specimen. The rooftop tour sounds like a good way to do it.

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    1. You would love the Duomo, Michele. Hope you make it to Milan one day. Thanks for visiting today.

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  10. I've only been through Milan on the bus and the train so I've never been able to explore the Duomo. It's SO beautiful! I especially like that cheeky fellow in the last photo. :-)

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    1. There are those who either love or hate Milan and we fall in that category of being enamored with it. . .and the Duomo is one of the reasons why. Thanks for your visit today!

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