The Duomo behaves as a stone forest: verticals (piers, pinnacles) and diagonals (buttresses) share loads and stiffen the vast nave.

1) Structural Anatomy

Component	Function
Ribbed Vaults	Distribute roof loads to clustered piers
Flying Buttresses	Catch lateral thrusts and send them to outer walls
Pinnacles & Spires	Add weight where needed and crown drainage points
Tiburio (lantern drum)	Stabilizes the crossing; houses access to upper parts
Foundations	Depth varies; adapted to historic subsoil and earlier remains

2) Marble & Weathering

Candoglia marble is beautiful but sensitive; micro‑fractures and pollution require frequent cleaning and pinning.
Stainless anchors and discreet ties supplement aged joints during restorations.

Upper terraces combine stone stairs, narrow passages and guardrails; winter icing triggers temporary closures.

A gilded copper statue (1774), visible across Milan; lightning protection and maintenance cycles keep her shining.

Gravity, geometry and a relentless conservation routine make the Duomo both delicate and durable.

The Duomo behaves as a stone forest: verticals (piers, pinnacles) and diagonals (buttresses) share loads and stiffen the vast nave.

Component	Function
Ribbed Vaults	Distribute roof loads to clustered piers
Flying Buttresses	Catch lateral thrusts and send them to outer walls
Pinnacles & Spires	Add weight where needed and crown drainage points
Tiburio (lantern drum)	Stabilizes the crossing; houses access to upper parts
Foundations	Depth varies; adapted to historic subsoil and earlier remains

Candoglia marble is beautiful but sensitive; micro‑fractures and pollution require frequent cleaning and pinning.
Stainless anchors and discreet ties supplement aged joints during restorations.

Upper terraces combine stone stairs, narrow passages and guardrails; winter icing triggers temporary closures.

A gilded copper statue (1774), visible across Milan; lightning protection and maintenance cycles keep her shining.

Gravity, geometry and a relentless conservation routine make the Duomo both delicate and durable.