Milan's Magnificent Cathedral

Duomo Supremo

In Milan - a city of great beauty, - the magnificent Duomo or cathedral, is the fulcrum around which all else has evolved. Radiating from this central point are the arcades and avenues which add layers of fascination to the great city.  But it is the cathedral itself which is the beating heart of Milan.

Set in a grand square awash with locals and visitors, the cathedral is still given the space to swoop and soar away from the distractions of its neighbours. Alone it stands against the skyline. In sharp relief the intricacies of its meticulous steeples and spires twist upwards.

Carved gargoyles and winged beasts jut outwards, tongues darting, wings unfurling  - 96 of these creatures in total, amidst a forest of over 3000 spires. With many architects over the centuries taking a part in the design and execution of the Duomo there have been a multitude of different architectural styles which have been introduced. But in the end it is the Gothic style which predominates. In a blanket of high drama the cathedral is loathed by some, (too decorative….) adored by others.

At the foot of the cathedral the square pulses with activity; tourists jostle for photo space; pigeons take to the wing in fabulous formations; vendors compete. The tables and chairs of the cafes edge the square, -  filled with customers from first coffee to late evening wine. Around the cathedral the constant activity of ongoing repair and maintenance means that always there is a portion of the cathedral draped in scaffold, clinging precariously to one or another of its multitude of spires.



 As the sun moves from east to west, sunlight plays on the shimmering white marble facade. Shades of colour come and go. The intricacies of the sculpted spires emerge and fade as the shadows shift. There is always something new to discover.

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