The marbles of Duomo in Milan

With its streaked pink, white and gray veins and iridescent reflections, the marble of Milan Cathedral is a kaleidoscope of colors that creates in visitors a sense of enchanted wonder.

Originating from the Candoglia quarries in the Ossola Valley (Piedmont), the marble slabs were transported from 1387, the year the foundation stone was laid, until around 1920, along the waterway that ran from Lake Maggiore, via the Ticino River, to the Naviglio Grande and from there through the city canals to the city center, in what is now Via Laghetto, at the foot of the Duomo. The slabs were identified by the acronym A.U.F.O. (from the Latin Ad Usum Fabricae Operae) to indicate that they were for the exclusive use of the factory and as such were not subject to taxation.

Today, the marble used for the Cathedral’s restoration is extracted from the same quarry that, from the very beginning, has been dedicated exclusively to this purpose. The Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, founded over seven centuries ago for this very purpose, continues to be responsible for the extraction, carving, and transportation of the marble required for the restoration. This painstaking and never-ending work has given rise to the idiomatic expression “fabbrica del Duomo” (Duomo factory), which refers to a laborious, practically endless activity!

The marble of the Duomo is estimated to be around 550 million years old and, like other marbles, that of Candoglia is the result of a long process of transformation of the limestone rock, due to the combined effect of extremely high temperatures and the pressure of the Earth’s crust, which gave the marble its crystalline structure.

The pure white color and the pink and gray tones give this marble a unique brilliance, capable of absorbing light and taking on unique hues depending on the angle of the sun’s rays and the weather. It’s no coincidence that the word “marble” comes from the Greek root meaning “to glitter, to shine.”

Come and discover this extraordinary monument for yourself and be enchanted by its colors and majesty. Strolling around the square, you can admire the over 3,000 marble statues that adorn it. Inside, you’ll be captivated by the pink marble floors inlaid with geometric designs in red brocatelle and black marble.
And don’t forget to climb to the terraces, where, surrounded by marble spires, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city!