1.) The Duomo is the fifth largest church in the world!
Only outdone by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil, Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York and Seville's Cathedral, the Milan Cathedral is still one giant church! It covers over 109,641 square feet and and entire city block. Its size alone is considered more impressive than it being one of the oldest churches.
2.) It has the most statues!
They say that there are more statues on this beautiful gothic-style cathedral than any building in the world. There are 3,40 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures that decorate the duomo! Climb the stairs or take the elevator to experiences the full architecture and view of the duomo.
3.) You cans set your watch by sundial!
Close to the main entrance of the duomo, you will see a sundial on the floor. a ray of sunlight from a hole opposite of it strikes the clock. This sundial, placed in 1768, is suprisingly precise and is even used to regulate clocks around the city.
4.) It took six centuries to complete!
The construction of the Duomo began in 1386 by Bishop Antonio da Saluzzo and was supported by the ruler of Milan Gian Galeazzo Visconti who had grand visions of the cathedral. though originally started in terra-cotta stone, once the stature of the project was realized, they soon changed it to Condoglian marble. Heavy construction continued for another 200 years.
5.) ITS STILL NOT FINISHED!!!
After its consecration in 1418 Milan Cathedral remained incomplete for centuries. Politics, lack of money, indifference in a seemly never-ending project and many other setbacks kept the cathedral exactly the way it is. Napoleon was the person who continued the building of the structure in the 19th century and even to this day the Duomo is still being worked on.
