Construction of Milan’s great Cathedral (Duomo) began in the late 14th century and continued for half a millennium. One of the last details to be completed were the main central entry doors, which date to the late 1800s.
The church is lovely and its grand entry doors fit well with the overall opulence of the structure. They are often admired, but only rarely opened. These doors were crafted between 1894-1908 by Italian sculptor Ludovico Pogliaghi, themed on “stories from the life of Mary”. Here are some of the features and panels which caught my eye.
The doors are busy and it’s easy to overlook the many exquisitely detailed panels in it. including scenes of Jesus’ life and death, as well as those of his mother (e.g. the Annunciation, Marriage and the Nativity).
There are other doors that provide entry to the Duomo, also lovely (see examples below), but none as detailed or memorable as Pogliaghi’s.
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge, right arrow to advance slideshow)
