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|Tisdag, December 16, 2025Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italien
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Duomo Engineering – Structure & Materials
How the Duomo stands: rib vaults, buttresses, pinnacles, tiburio and the Candoglia marble supply and care.
11/12/2025
18 min read
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.
3) Access & Safety
- Upper terraces combine stone stairs, narrow passages and guardrails; winter icing triggers temporary closures.
4) The Madonnina
- A gilded copper statue (1774), visible across Milan; lightning protection and maintenance cycles keep her shining.
Bottom Line
Gravity, geometry and a relentless conservation routine make the Duomo both delicate and durable.
Om författaren
Structural Systems Analyst
Jag tog fram den här guiden för att hjälpa dig välja bra tider, visa respekt och undvika långa köer vid Duomo.
Tags
engineering
Gothic structure
buttresses
spires
marble
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