Streets of Milan - Part Two, The Milan Cathedral

In Streets of Milan - Part One I mentioned two facts about this particular cathedral, so let me add some more….

"Above the apse (the arched part above the altar) there is a spot marked with a red lightbulb. This marks the spot where one of the nails of Jesus’ crucifixion was allegedly placed. Every year on the Saturday closest to September 14 the archbishop of Milan ascends to the apex in a wooden basket decorated with angels to retrieve the nail. The basket itself was constructed in 1577, though it was significantly reconstructed in 1701 when the angels were added. But you’ve got to be visiting at the right time – the nail is exhibited at the altar until the Monday after vespers before it’s lifted back up again."
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I also showed my ignorance by referring to the cathedral as the Duomo Cathedral which is really saying ‘Cathedral Cathedral’ as duomo is italian for cathedral. It is in fact just the MILAN CATHEDRAL.... Apologies to my Italian followers

Incredibly large organ pipes

It took thousands of workers, a new canal system and over six centuries to complete ...

"The construction of the Duomo officially started 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 terracotta stone, once the grandeur of the project was realized Condoglian marble from Lake Maggiore was chosen. The entire building is made up of this pink-hued white marble. To bring it from the quarries of Candoglia, canals were dug leading to the construction site, evidence of which is still visible along the famous navigli, the canals left over from the network built in southern Milan specifically for that purpose! Thousands of artists, sculptors and specialized workers were involved in the construction of the Cathedral of Milan. Architects from across Europe were invited to work on the project (at least 78 different architects total) and as it grew and grew, its construction dragged on over the years. It was consecrated in 1418 but only the nave was really finished at that time. Heavy construction continued for another 200 years."
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@Fempower lighting a candle for a relative

"After its consecration in 1418 Milan Cathedral remained incomplete for centuries. Politics, lack of money, indifference in a seemingly never-ending project (imagine a mammoth structure in the middle of your city left unfinished for your entire lifetime and father’s… and grandfather’s) and other setbacks kept the cathedral on standby for what seemed like forever."
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Gabrieli Medici - could not find out too much about him

I think this particular photo demonstrates the immensity of the construction. Is awe inspiring when one considers the era in which it was built



"Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians prior to the persecution of Decius. According to legend, her torture included having all of her teeth violently pulled out or shattered. For this reason, she is popularly regarded as the patroness of dentistry and those suffering from toothache or other dental problems."
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Apparently a fire was lit and Appolonia was threatened with burning if she did not denounce her God. She refused and jumped into the fire of her own accord.

(32) 1. SCHUSTER, O.S.B., Alfredo Ildefonso
(1880-1954)
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Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of July 15, 1929; received the red hat and the title of Ss. Silvestro e Martino ai Monti, July 18, 1929. Consecrated, July 21, 1929, Sistine chapel, at the Vatican, by Pope Pius XI
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It took me a while to research what I did, and I imagine one could spend a week going through the cathedral and interpreting each scene. Even the stained glass panes tell a story or depict a scene from the Old and New Testament.

As always thanks for reading, I hope you found it interesting.