• Martha SleutelItaly & SwitzerlandMartha Sleutel
    The Duomo with gray skies and drizzle
    Charlie amidst the first level of elaborately carved rooftop sculpturesView from lower roof upwardsEach of the 135 spires is topped with a saint, all differentPointed arches, pinnacles, flames, saints - all marbleThese carvings took 600 yearsMe amidst the marble stone statuaryCopies and original statues in museumRoom after room after room of detailed sculpturesMary Magdalene

    Milan Duomo Rooftop

    September 22, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 66 °F

    The Duomo di Milan is the 3rd largest church in Europe, started in 1386. Carved from panels of green, pink, and white marble, it is the city's iconic landmark. Ascending several levels of rooftop allowed us into and above a forest of spires, statues, and splendid sculptures. (There are 3,400 statues).

    The roof with all its glorious statues, spires, and gothic architecture is open to the public via narrow stone steps (made for the workers and stone carvers) and a lift. Despite drizzle and some blocked off areas (cleaning the marble), the roof views were dramatic and impressive.

    The Duomo museum (next door) has originals and copies of hundreds of statues, stained glass panels, and room-sized tapestries. Seeing them up close was amazing.    Read more