5 things to know about Cathedral square in Milan

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PIAZZA DUOMO (CATHEDRAL SQUARE) IN MILAN

Piazza Duomo (Cathedral square) is the heart of Milan, and it is dominated by the majestic cathedral of the archdiocese which is the symbol of the capital of Lombardy as well the symbol of Italy: Milan Cathedral.
The cathedral facade is the representation of a very long story and looks at the square rectangular in shape that covers an area of 17,000 square feet. There are many stories to be told.

5 things to know about Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square)

1.

The square was planned by the Italian architect and engineer Giuseppe Mengoni in 1865.
This place has always been the central point of the city of Milan and the meeting point for the inhabitants to celebrate the most important events.

2.

In 500 BC on the area of the square there was probably a sacred wood, which was the religious and political centre during the Celtic domination.

3.

During the Roman age in the area was erected a temple dedicated to Minerva and there converged the network of roads of the City.

4.

In the 4^th century AD the Basilica Nuova was built on this area, later named Basilica of Santa Tecla, and in the 9^th century AD the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was added.
In 1330, under the domination of Azzone Visconti, the space between the two buildings was named “Arengo”.
In 1458 the Basilica of Santa Tecla was demolished in order to build the Cathedral and to create the square.

5.

In 1528 the new parvise of the Cathedral and the pavement of the square were made. In 1990 the line number 3 of the subway was activated.