Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Europe has many cathedrals, such as Florence Cathedral, St. Peter's Basilica, Notre-Dame de Paris, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, and undoubtedly the Duomo di Milano is one of the most striking among them. Milan Cathedral was built in 1386, with construction spanning 5 centuries, using 2 million tons of marble, featuring 135 spires, and adorned with 6,000 sculptures inside and out. French Emperor Napoleon was crowned King of the Kingdom of Italy here. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, ranking second globally in size. It has witnessed many important historical events in Milan and Italy, holds an extremely important position in the Catholic world, and is one of the most influential cathedrals worldwide. On the north side of the square is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built between 1865 and 1877. It features an arched ceiling topped with colored glass, making the structure appear both grand and magnificent. Today, it houses various luxury brand stores, cafes, and restaurants, symbolizing Milan's fashion and commerce. Worth mentioning are the 135 spires that rise toward the sky from Milan Cathedral's roof, creating a unique skyline, with each spire topped by a life-sized statue. You can also see various sculptures and reliefs that are incredibly ornate and solemn, creating a powerful visual impact! Inside the cathedral, there are 24 of the world's largest stained glass windows, created over 500 years ago. When sunlight shines through them, they cast colorful reflections that are breathtakingly beautiful. The cathedral floor also features distinctive patterns, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and high artistic value.