Cathedral of Santa Maria Nazente

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Nacente, which the Milanese call simply the "Duomo", is one of the largest in the world (accommodates up to 40,000 people) and the most magnificent churches, the highest example of bright Gothic. It was started in the 14th century, but its facade was not completed until the early 1800s, under Napoleon. The roof is topped by 135 elaborately carved stone peaks, while the exterior is decorated with 2,245 marble statues. The dim interior, in stark contrast to the shiny and ornate exterior, makes a strong impression with its 52 giant columns. The stained glass windows in the nave (mostly from the 15th and 16th centuries) are the largest in the world; the earliest of them are in the south aisle. Highlights include the seven-branched bronze candelabrum by Nicholas of Verdun (circa 1200) in the north transept, the 16th-century tomb of Gian Giacomo de' Medici, and the jeweled golden reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo in the octagonal Borromeo chapel leading to the crypt. . Behind the main altar, the choir has deeply carved panels, and misericords under the seats. In the southern sacristy there is a treasury with gold and silver products, dating from the fourth to the 17th century.