Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Timeline

1. 1386Milan · LombardyIn 1386 Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo, with Gian Galeazzo Visconti's consent, launched the new cathedral, demolishing the old palace and parts of earlier churches for the foundation. It was initially planned in Lombard brick Gothic style, intended to re-mark Milan as the ceremonial and urban center of the Visconti state.
2. 1387Milan · LombardyIn October 1387 Gian Galeazzo established the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, granting financial and organizational statutes and specifying Candoglia marble. The style shifted from Lombard brick Gothic toward the International Gothic closer to north of the Alps; first engineer Simone da Orsenigo coordinated hundreds of craftsmen.
3. 1387–1402Milan · LombardyOver the following decade the site rapidly advanced the eastern sacristy, semi-octagonal apse, and main walls. In 1395 Gian Galeazzo received the title of duke, and the cathedral became the visual symbol of his regime. When he died in 1402 the work was about half complete, and the urban profile around the Milan square had been redefined by this giant church.
4. 1402Milan · LombardyAfter the patron's death work stalled for a time; the nave was continued in the mid-15th century under the Sforza. The main facade and spire system were completed in modern times, with detail work finishing as late as 1965. Piazza del Duomo became Milan's civic and ceremonial center, and the works institution has continued for six hundred years, maintaining this still-in-use urban landmark.