The heart of Milan is the Duom Square.

Duomo (in translation from the Italian - the cathedral) began to erect at the dawn of the 14th century, and the grandiose construction was completed only in 1813. But the project of its erection did not change, so the building is so harmonious. It is the best example of the Gothic style, which is impossible to surpass.

In the external appearance of the cathedral, absolutely everything is striking - more than a hundred spiers, the main one of which is crowned with the figure of Madonna - the heavenly patroness of Milan, thousands of sculptural compositions on marble walls, illustrating biblical subjects, scenes from the life of saints, and also there are images of angels and even fantastic unseen animals . The beauty and grandeur of these creations is simply impossible to convey in words.

The roof of the cathedral consists of many levels connected with each other by numerous transitions, galleries, stairs. A lot of statues of saints, heroes of legends, historical figures interspersed with mythical birds, animals and monsters near strike even more than if you admire them from the square in front of the cathedral, from where they seem lacy, but in fact represent heavy statues several meters high thin spikes.

I stood in the square and looked at the cathedral. The setting sun colors the cathedral in pink shades. That's very beautiful. The blue sky and the lights of the lanterns create a magical picture.

The cathedral is like a birthday cake. And next to it is an amazing structure - the shopping gallery of Victor Emmanuel II.
Fashionable shops, expensive cafes and boutiques.

And a very interesting church, which attracted my view. This church is next to the Duom Square.

Church of Santa Maria Press San Saniro

Church of Santa Maria Press San Saniro is the brainchild of the world famous Italian architect, as well as the discoverer of the architecture of the High Renaissance - Donato Bramante. The basilica was built at the turn of 1472 - 1482, with the participation of Duke Galeazzo Maria, the famous Sforza dynasty. According to many sources, this structure was designed by Bramante, however, according to the latest data collected by scientists and historians, it was proved that Bramante had played a minor role in its design. Most of the project was executed by another, no less famous architect, Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. The basilica is open to everyone, but it is difficult to get here, because the basilica is not only a unique architectural structure of the 15th century, but also an active church, in which many local believers and pilgrims gather.

About the name

On this place there were a church which was built in the 9th century and is dedicated to Saint Satiro (the brother of St. Amvrosia), but centuries ago, after the icon was fixed, it was decided to enlarge it and so Santa Maria was added.

Tower

The bell tower remained since the 9th century - it's the oldest bell tower in Milan. This bell tower was the object that drew my attention.

The church of San Giovanni in Conca.

On the east side of the Missouri area are the ruins of a semicircular structure. Once there was the church of San Giovanni in Conca.

Presumably the church of San Giovanni was founded in the 4th century. She was in the middle of a residential quarter, as is found in the neighborhood fragments of mosaic floors, exhibited in the Archaeological Museum. In the 11th century the church was rebuilt in Romanesque style, but in 1162 the whole city was wiped out by the Emperor Barbarossa. San Giovanni was restored only in the 13th century.

The magnificent early Christian church was demeaned by the Austrians, used as a warehouse by the French, destroyed and looted by the Italians themselves. The surviving abyss and the ancient crypt are dated to the 11th century, but in the crypt you can still see objects of Roman civilization and the Middle Ages.

And in the end a little bit nature photos

It's just to feel warm and smell of spring in Milan. I like it. I belive you'll like it too.