20/03/2026
The Duomo di Milano is the largest Gothic church in the world. Here are the key facts at a glance:
Timeline:
Construction began in 1386 and officially finished in 1965—taking nearly 600 years to complete.
Statues: It holds the world record for the most statues on a cathedral, featuring a staggering 3,400
figures.
Materials:
Built from rare pinkish-white Candoglia marble, transported via a network of canals specially built for the project.
Capacity:
The massive interior can accommodate up to 40,000 people. The Madonnina: The tallest spire (108.5m) is topped by a gilded copper statue of the Virgin Mary, a beloved symbol and protector of Milan.
Interior Features:
52 Columns: Inside, 52 massive columns represent the weeks of the year. The Holy Nail: A red light above the altar marks the location of a relic believed to be a nail from the True Cross. Italy's Largest Organ: It houses an organ with 15,800 pipes, the largest in Italy.
Rooftop:
It is one of the few cathedrals where visitors can walk across the entire roof among its 135 spires and 150 gargoyles.
