Europe Explored » sundial https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Milan Cathedral – the largest cathedral in Italy and 2nd largest in Europe https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/15/milan-cathedral-the-largest-cathedral-in-italy-and-2nd-largest-in-europe/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/15/milan-cathedral-the-largest-cathedral-in-italy-and-2nd-largest-in-europe/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:45:02 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5593 In the heart of Milan stands huge dome, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world – Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). At its widest point measures 92 meters and is 157 metres long. Construction started in the 14th century under Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, but finished up by more than 500 years later. […]

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In the heart of Milan stands huge dome, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world – Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). At its widest point measures 92 meters and is 157 metres long. Construction started in the 14th century under Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, but finished up by more than 500 years later. The last work has been performed in order of Napoleon in 1809. Facade of the Milan Cathedral is a dazzling combination of Gothic and Baroque styles.

Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, Italy
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by schizoform

The most striking feature is the unusual dome’s roof with 135 towers and innumerable statues and gargoyles. In clear weather you can see the Alps with the Matterhorn from the towers. For the lovers of Gothic architecture, the Duomo is a masterpiece of perfectly made ​​decorations.

Cathedral windows dating from the 15th century, are among the largest in Europe. In the nave, near the entrance, you can see the largest sundial in the world (dating back to 1786).

Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, 2, Italy
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jiuguang Wang

Milan Cathedral is considered to be one of the most popular buildings in the whole European continent. It is also known to be the largest cathedral of all cathedrals in Italy and the second largest one in Europe (just after Seville Cathedral). It consists of five naves, which supports 52 columns. The highest point of the cathedral is La Madonnina (the statue of the Virgin Mary) from the 18th century, which is now the symbol of Milan.

The project of cathedral was meant to help all those who are helpless and ordinary people who are suffering or suffered under the ruling of tyrant Bernabò. During the construction of this cathedral a large amount of donations were collected from people and soon the news of construction spread with the people.


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Pantheon in Rome – best preserved Roman building | Italy https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/19/pantheon-in-rome-best-preserved-roman-building-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/19/pantheon-in-rome-best-preserved-roman-building-italy/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 15:24:04 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3999 Pantheon (also known as Santa Maria della Rotonda) is a Christian church, located in the centre of Rome, in Italy. Pantheon was built by Markus Agrippa in 27 BC, and was dedicated to three Roman gods. Unfortunately in the year of 80 AD a big fire destroyed almost the whole building. Just after 45 years, […]

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Pantheon (also known as Santa Maria della Rotonda) is a Christian church, located in the centre of Rome, in Italy. Pantheon was built by Markus Agrippa in 27 BC, and was dedicated to three Roman gods. Unfortunately in the year of 80 AD a big fire destroyed almost the whole building. Just after 45 years, in the year of 125AD, Emperor Hadrian made ​​extensive reconstruction. Under the reign of Pope Boniface IV. the Pantheon became a Christian church, which protected the building from burning and destruction, as it formerly was a pagan building.


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The Pantheon is the resting place of Italian kings – Vittorio Emanuele II. and Umberto I. The Pantheon is marked as ingenious construction. In the middle of the dome of the Pantheon there is a giant circular opening through – thanks to its unique architecture – never rains inside the building. This opening serves as a sundial, and every noon sun shines on the front door of Pantheon.

Pantheon has, from architectural point of view, really very interesting ceiling. Elements of this architecture appear in the Vatican museums, and also in the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

On the building facade you can see the same inscription as had the original building from 27BC: “M•AGRIPPA•L•F•COS•TERTIVM•FECIT” which means “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, Consul for the third time, built this”. Pantheon has survived for centuries until today, and now it is the best preserved Roman building, plus permanent used.


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