Milano Cathedral
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Simone da Orsenigo
The Cathedral of Milano is most known as the largest church in Italy and the fifth largest in the world. It is dedicated to the St. Mary of the Nativity and is the seat of Archbishop of Milan. It is of Gothic style cathedral and took six centuries to complete. The threshold of this program studies both the interior and exterior architecture of the cathedral. The repetitive language seen through out the church is a technique that enhances the intensity of the threshold creating an overall dramatic effect.
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Program: Roman Catholic Church
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Project Completion: 1965
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Architects: Simone da Orsenigo
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Location: Milan, Italy
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Hours of operation: Mon- Friday
9:00 - 4:00
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Gothic architecture is characterized by pointed arch, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, sharply pointed spirals and clustered columns. This style arose during the high late medieval period shortly after Romanesque architecture and ended during Renaissance architecture.
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The 40 pilars that dominate the plan are a reflection of the hierarchic openings of the facade. Their consistency of the pilars creates the primary threshold of the cathedral. Thi in turn creates a poetic space that engulfs a person directly to the most holy part of the church. Also within the plan there are five broad naves, and four side isles.
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Primary Threshold