Some buildings are impressive from the outside but disappoint you when you walk inside them and sometimes the opposite is true. The Duomo di Milano or Milan Cathedral is one of those buildings that make your jaw drop from the moment you lay eyes on it from the outside till the moment you leave it’s cavernous confines. Just look at the fine details of the windows, doors, pillars and every other part of the spectacular church and you will understand why it took from 1386 to 1965 to complete the world’s fourth largest church.
I could have spent a whole day photographing this remarkable edifice, partly for the beauty of the place and all the amazingly intricate features and partly because of the soothing atmosphere inside. It was just before Christmas when I shot this and I feel fortunate to have been able to be in some of the world’s most beautiful and significant churches during such a special time. I’m not sure if those paintings that you see in the photograph are always hanging there or if it was just for the Christmas season (if anyone knows, please leave a comment), but either way they were spectacular hanging in a place befitting their elegance and grandeur.
These interior photos are not easy to take. In the Duomo like in so many historical places it is dark which in itself makes it challenging to get a good shot. On top of that they don’t allow tripods and I’ve been kicked out of some of the most beautiful places in the world because of that. So I’ve learned how to brace myself, hold my breath or look for places where I can try to balance my camera like a bench, gate or use my back pack where I carry my gear. This way I can get hand held photos like this one that require exposures of up to 8 seconds! It makes me really sad that I cant get the best shot possible at times due to not using a tripod, I think that after seeing a nice photograph of a beautiful place people would be more inclined to want to visit these buildings which in turn supports them and the local economy. I’ll have more photos of the Duomo di Milano in future blog posts and yes those are all hand held too.
Arrivederci!
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wow, it’s beautiful:). Can we have a friendly link exchange?
Great Photo Ken!! I love it!!
Thanks guys, this is one of the most spectacular buildings anywhere, I have quite a few more photos from the Duomo to showcase so keep checking in for updates. @Dale- please make those requests via the contact form, thank you :^)
I enjoy your site and I have bookmarked it, Kind Salutations.
Bernice Johanson
i very enjoy your posting way, very charming.
don’t give up and keep posting mainly because it simply just truly worth to read it,
impatient to read alot more of your own stories, have a great day :)
The paintings in the duomo are hug in November and December to celebrate the birthday of San Carlo Borromeo. They are known as the Quadroni I am going to look the saint up on the net to try and find out his importance in the church.
Regards Paola
Thanks Paola! I was surprised to see so many beautiful paintings in the Duomo but they really add a nice touch.
This looks like a painting, amazing image. Any photos of the Duomo from the outside?
Some truly select articles on this site, saved to favorites .