Milan Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Milano, is a Gothic cathedral in Milan, Italy. It was constructed over a period of six centuries and was completed in 1386. The original design of the cathedral was commissioned by Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo in 1385. Construction began soon after with the laying of the foundation stone on June 14th, 1386.
The cathedral features an array of architectural styles including Italian Renaissance and Baroque elements which were added during subsequent renovations between the 15th and 19th centuries. Its most distinctive feature is its enormous size – it has over 3200 statues on its façade alone and stands 109 metres tall making it one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Over time, Milan Cathedral has become an iconic symbol for both Milan and Italy as a whole.
In 1996, UNESCO declared Milan Cathedral a World Heritage Site along with other monuments located within its immediate vicinity such as Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Victor Emmanuel II Gallery) and Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Theatre). Today it remains one of the most visited sites in Milan attracting thousands of visitors every year who come to admire its beauty and learn about its rich history spanning centuries.