The Cathedral
Leaded by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the construction of the Cathedral had begun in 1386. This is the 3rd biggest church in the world after the San Piedro of Rom and the Cathedral of Sevilla. The Catedral of Milan is built fully in marble, with huge statues, arches, columns, pinnacles. There are around 3500 statues, including those of gargoyles. The highest pinnacle has 108,5 metres height, and at the upper side has the Statue of the Virgin Mary, better known as “Madonnina”, encased in gold. Inside the church, there are some interesting works: Gian Giacomo Medici di Marignano’ grave, known as “Il Medeghino”; the grave and the statue of San Carlo Borromeo; the chandelier Tivulziano; the wooden choir; the Egyptian porphyry cymbal and wonderful ancient colourfull windows of the 15th century.
By visiting the cathedral, you can also get on the roof and enjoy a special view of the city. It’s also possible to visit the ruins of Baptisterio de San Giovanni alle Fonti (Baptisterio de Sant’Ambrogio).
THEATRE OF OPERA – THE SCALA
This theatre represents one of the tourists’ reasons by visiting Mila… it’s one of the most prestigious theatres in the world.
It opened its gates the 3rd of August 1778 due to Maria Teresa of Austria’s will in order to substitute the Royal Ducal Theatre destroyed in the fire in 1776. The Scala was designed by Giuseppe Piermarini, the great neoclassical architect, and it was the first time open for an opera by Salieri, called "L'Europa Riconosciuta". Later was included the ballet as well, and its repertoire could be enlarged. The Thatrea was destroyed during the Second World War, and it was reconstructed and reopened thanks to the work of the famous orchestra director Arturo Toscanini, until 2001 when it was closed for refurbishing workings. The restored theatre was open for new concerts in December 2004, with the same masterpiece which had consecrated the first theatre opening in 1778, the Salieri’s opera conducted by Riccardo Muti.
THE BASILICA OF SAN SAN LORENZO MAGGIORE
Located in Corso di Porta Ticinese, just in front of the 16 Corinthian Columns of the Roman Temple of the 3rd century and of a bronze copy of the Imperator Constantine’s statue, the Basilica is a very important example of the Roman architecture, as well as of the early Christian one. It had been built at the end of the 4th century, but during the time it was victim of many disasters, for this reason, it also has been restored many times: in 1911, 1916 and 1937/38. The cupola was built later, in 1619, and the front dates from the 19th century. There are some famous Christian mosaics and very interesting frescoes in the chaqppels of Sant’Aquilino, Sant’Ippolito and San Sisto.
