Travel Through Italy

Tag: Churches in Milan

  • Milan Cathedral

    Milan Cathedral

    Milan Cathedral

    [tab name=”Description”]
    Milan Cathedral

    Duomo di Milano

    Milan Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Italy, and the 5th largest in the world. The exterior of this Gothic cathedral has detailed stone work depicting biblical scenes and saints. There are over 3,400 statues, gargoyles, ect, all of them different from the other.

    Milan Cathedral is the cathedral church of the city of Milan and the home of Cardinal Angelo Scola, the current archbishop. This lovely and historic church is dedicated to Saint Mary of Nativity.

    Milan Cathedral is located on the main square of the city, next to another architectural extravaganza, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

    Bishop Antonio da Saluzzo commissioned the construction of the cathedral in the year 1385. Construction started in 1386 with the overwhelming support of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the first-ever duke of Milan. Visconti who owned marble quarries gave access to it in order to commence the construction. The building of the cathedral was exempted from tax. The duke also invited notable architects from across Europe to help.

    The building of the cathedral did not come fast and easy. Because it is remarkably huge and exceptionally elaborate, it took more than six centuries to complete. The cathedral was finally consecrated in 1418, although final works were continually applied until 1965.

    Although undeniably expansive, the inside of the cathedral is quite dark. The interior has five large naves (main body of the church) that are divided by 52 pillars. These pillars represent the number of weeks in one whole year.

    Inside the cathedral, you will find impressive marble. In addition, there are many stained glass windows, and murals, that tell many stories. Many beautiful paintings and artwork. Including the Trivulzio Candelabrum and the Altar of the Madonna of the Tree. The Renaissance marble altar, the three magnificent altars designed by Pellegrino Pellegrini and the statue made by Marco d’Agrate, an Italian sculptor, called St. Bartholomew.

    Beneath the main altar, take the steps down to see the the actual body of St Charles Borromeo, who was known for his devotion and charity.

    The best part is going up to the roof. Which requires paying either for the elevator or for using the stairs. There are about 170 steps. A bit tiring, but not impossible. There is only one elevator, so you can just imagine the long line. You have to pay €7 to climb the steps of the Duomo. It cost €12 to use the elevator. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking view from the top of this magnificent place, it gives a whole new perspective to Milan. It also gets you closer to the statues, so you can really enjoy even the small details. Try to get there for sunset, so you can capture some fantastic pictures.

    The entrance to Milan Cathedral is free, but donations are accepted at various places throughout the church.

    Be advised that if you would like to take photos while you are inside, you are supposed to buy a wristband to be able to do so.

    Guards will turn tourists away for being inappropriately dressed. You can not enter with strapless or sleeveless tops. Ladies, shorts/skirts have to be below the knee.

    I strongly suggest you rent the self-guided audio tour. It is very simple to use, and it also includes a map to guide your tour. You can also hire a tour guide to really enjoy this visit. They do a wonderful presentation, it’s literally a tour through the history of Milan.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”379″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]
    Address: Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy
    Hours: Monday thru Sunday 7:00 am – 6:40 pm[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Milan Duomo Rooftop Terrace

    Milan Duomo Rooftop Terrace

    Milan Duomo Rooftop Terrace

    [tab name=”Description”]
    Milan Duomo Rooftop Terrace

    Terrazze del Duomo

    The Milan Cathedral is one of the places you need to visit while in Milan. It is the largest church in Italy, and 5th largest in the world. Everything about it is big and impressive, from its architecture to its rich history. Its location is ideal for tourists because it is within a walking distance from other points of interests. Just across the cathedral is the Royal Palace of Milan, which is a spectacular building itself. If you want to shop in upscale stores and boutiques, then go to the northeast point of the cathedral and check out Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Milan.

    While visiting Milan Cathedral, be sure to either climb the stairs (around 250 steps) or take the elevator up to the Milan Duomo Rooftop Terrace (7 euros by foot and 12 by lift). The climb is not that difficult. Parts of the stairs are very narrow, and tourists go up and down at the same time. Steps can be a bit slippery when it is raining, by no means an unsafe climb.

    Once you ascend on the roof, the view of the city is spectacular. On a clear day the whole city can be seen, as well as the Alps in the far distance. You have the opportunity get up close and marvel at the craftsmanship that went into creating such an intricate and majestic structure. It is remarkable to see the details in the spires, gargoyles and saints while you are on the rooftop. Situated on tallest spire stands a golden statue of the Madonna, created by Giuseppe Perego in 1774.

    Restaurants Locanda alla Mano and Fratello Abdelhak are located nearby. So grabbing a hearty meal after your exhilarating trip to Terraze del Duomo is easy. Meanwhile, it is best to stay in hotels like Park Hyatt Milan or TownHouse Duomo for you have the perfect accommodation while ensuring you easy access to Milan’s famous landmarks.

    In order to make your vacation more enjoyable, it is best for you to hire a private tour guide. The people in charge of the tour will surely create a fun-filled itinerary for you, ensuring you get to see Milan Duomo Rooftop Terrace and other interesting sites you might not notice on your own.

    Admission to Milan Cathedral itself is free. Be aware, there is a dress code. You will have to go through a fairly hard security. They definitely will deny you entrance if you are not appropriately covered. No dresses or shorts above the knee, and no uncovered shoulders. Access to the Rooftop Terrace is located at the rear of the Church.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”392″] [/tab]
    [tab name=”Information”]
    Phone: 39 02 72022656
    Address: Piazza Duomo, Milan, Italy
    Hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm[/tab][end_tabset]

     

     

  • Church of Santa Maria dell Grazie

    Church of Santa Maria dell Grazie

    Church of Santa Maria dell Grazie
    [tab name=”Description”]

    Church of Santa Maria dell Grazie Milan

    Santa Maria delle Grazie

    In 1980, Church of Santa Maria dell Grazie became part of the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List for the main reason that it is among the most important creations during the Renaissance. The basilica itself, is a beautiful and serene place. The Gothic architecture is stunning, while the carvings and white pillars are very elegant.

    The main reason for the church being on the list is that a national and cultural treasure is located deep within its vaults. The mural of the famous The Last Supper by the talented Leonardo da Vinci.

    Accessing The Last Supper is a bit off-putting. However, it is very much worth the effort. The church uses an automated timing system on the their doors, so that The Last Supper Milan is not exposed to the outside environment. This means you are locked in several stages, including the gift shop. While waiting to enter, there is information explaining the history of the painting and the artist placed on the walls. Your group is allowed to stand with the painting for 15 minutes in a temperature regulated room. Detail are marvelous. You can see their emotions on how they felt when Jesus declared that he would be betrayed by one of his disciples.

    The walls where the original painting was located has been repaired almost back to how they were before the bombs that dropped during WW II. This caused major damage, but luckily, it was not totally destroyed. According to sources, Leonardo did not use a damp-proof material for the mural. Nonetheless, it is still a good thing to know that for many years, preservation efforts have been carried out in the attempt to maintain the beauty of the painting.

    Church of Santa Maria dell Grazie was built because Francesco I Sforza, the Duke of Milan that time, wanted to have a Dominican convent and a church dedicated to St. Mary of Grace. The groundbreaking happened in 1463 under its main architect Guiniforte Solari. Although it only took six years for the convent to be completed, the construction of Santa Maria delle Grazie church took several years to finish. Three decades and four years have passed and Francesco I Sforza was already succeeded by Ludovico Sforza, who wanted the church to be the private burial place of the Sforza family. When Ludovico’s wife Beatrice died, she was buried in the church. This happened in 1497, the same year the church was completed.

    With just a 15-minute walk from the Duomo, you can reach the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Furthermore, keep in mind that the church is in between two metro stations, Conciliazone and Cadorna Triennale.

    Please, be advised that tickets are limited to see this legendary painting. They sell out very fast, sometimes months in advance. Make sure to do a lot of research online ahead, and book your tickets in advance. You can also book it as part of a walking tour; they speak English. You need to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before the stated time. No pictures or video is allowed.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”383″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone: 39 02 467 6111

    Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milan, Italy

    Hours: Monday thru Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 pm, 3:00 – 7:15 pm

    Sunday 7:30 am – 12:30 pm, 3:30 – 8:45 pm[/tab][end_tabset]

     

  • Saint Maurice al Monastero Maggiore

    Saint Maurice al Monastero Maggiore

    Saint-Maurice-al-Monastero-Maggiore

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Saint Maurice al Monastero Maggiore

    Church of Saint Maurice al Monastero Maggiore Milan

    Saint Maurice al Monastero Maggiore is tucked away in Milan and a little hard to find, but very nearby the Duomo. The church, from the outside, has a simple exterior, but once you get inside you will be astonished.

    Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is one of the oldest churches in the city of Milan. From October to June, this church, holds a Sunday mass in celebration of the Byzantine Rite, or the Rite of Constantinople. Aside from Sunday services, the church also serves as a popular venue for concerts.

    Originally, Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore was attached to the Monastero Maggiore. Monastero Maggiore was once a female convent of the Benedictines, but is now used as an archaeological museum. In the early 1500’s (some sources would say in the year 1503) is when the construction of the church began. The gorgeous architecture of the church was designed by Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono who collaborated with Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. Both are two of the many distinguished Italian architects and sculptors.

    Like other churches, it took several years to complete. In fact, the edifice was finished only in 1518, which is more than a decade after. It was Cristoforo Solari who finished the two-part building. One part is for the faithful, the other for the nuns. Hundreds of years after the edifice’s completion, the nuns were no longer allowed to cross over the wall that divides the edifice.

    Inside Chiesa di Milano there are beautiful frescoes on the walls plus an impressive altar. You will find the oldest pipe organ in Milan. This very large and impressive organ was built in 1554. Several efforts are being carried out in order to restore this precious possession.

    As I mentioned earlier, Saint Maurice al Monastero Maggiore has two sections. Make sure you walk to the left side and towards the back. Enter the second section through a small door to the Nun’s Hall. You will find a hidden treasure trove of beautiful, amazing 16th century frescoes telling biblical stories. Many frescoes are done by Bernardino Luini. Also take the time to read the plaques (in Italian and English) describing the amazing artwork that you’re seeing, it will definitely enrich your experience. You can take as many photos as you wish, but without any flash.

    Admission to the church is free, but there is a box into which you can place a donation. There is a fee for the archaeological museum (superb collection of ancient artifacts). It is really worth a visit.

    Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is open to the public from 9:30 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon, Tuesdays through Saturdays.

    The church is not available for tours on Sundays of October to June because again, services in observance of the Eastern Orthodox tradition are being held.

    TIP: A guided tour to Chiesa di Milano is available for less than $70. In addition, to this church, you will also get to see Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and visit the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”370″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]
    Phone: 39 02 85561
    Address: Corso Magenta, 15, Milan, Italy[/tab][end_tabset]