The Piazza del Duomo provides several famous sights, including the Duomo (Milan's Cathedral), the Museum of the Duomo, the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II and the Palazzo Real. The Piazza is a exotic place for pictures, if you can clear a small area of the ever-present pigeons; "doodad" hawkers who are trying to sell tourists anything Milanese (curiously, most of what they sell is made in China). On the western end of the Piazza, there are a number of neon signs that detract from the overall beauty of the square.
Exploring Exotic Duomo
The Duomo is an exotic site. The gothic cathedral's architecture is decorated with numerous spires and more than three thousand statues. Construction started in the fourteenth century and was completed only fifty years ago. The massive cathedral is one of the largest in the world.Cavernous is the word that comes to mind when one views the interior of the Duomo - it can hold over twenty-five thousand for services. The Duomo does not have the sheer majesty that one would expect from a church of its size. The interior statuary and decorations are interesting but not extraordinary. The red light near the roof is a reliquary that holds what is believed to be a nail from the True Cross.
Examine the statue of St. Bartholomew from the side to see that he is posed carrying his own skin over his shoulder, a result of flaying during his martyrdom.
Be sure the visit the small but interesting Treasury for some beautiful examples of silversmithing. Take the elevator to explore the roof of the cathedral. The roof offers a great view of the gilded Madonna topping the Duomo, as well as a panorama of Central Milan.
Museum of the Duomo
Now reopened after a significant restoration, the Museo is well worth seeing.(Open 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3 pm to 6pm, seven days a week) (across from the Duomo in the Palazzo Real).
Most of the treasures once in the Duomo were removed for purposes of conservation and renovation. The Museum is arranged into approximately 20 rooms containing statutes, paintings, columns, metalwork and a variety of impressive original items from the Duomo.
During a visit to the museum, you can view all items up close and appreciate the amazing artistry that went into the construction and decoration of the Duomo.
