Country in Europe
Duomo di Milano
Milan Cathedral, or Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, is the cathedral church of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. Dedicated to the Nativity of St. Mary, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Archbishop Mario Delpini.
The centerpiece of Milan, the Duomo is one of Europe’s greatest architectural and cultural landmarks. As Italy’s largest church and one of the largest in the world, it took over 600 years to build. Today, the Duomo has a capacity of 40,000 people and is home to the world’s second-largest organ. Admire the wide selection of religious art on display inside, or marvel at the 3000 statues that line its Gothic exterior. Be sure to join one of the available Duomo tours, which include art tours and even rooftop tours, where you might be able to see as far as the Italian Alps.
Venice, Italy
Venice, city, major seaport, and capital of both the provincia (province) of Venezia and the regione (region) of Veneto, northern Italy.
Centuries-old architecture, cobblestone alleys, a maze of eye-catching islands, and of course, the famous canals that run through it all—Venice is quite literally unlike anywhere else. While the capital of the Veneto (one of the 20 regions in Italy) is undoubtedly a stunner, it’s also a very real city. The Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco are hotspots for visitors: Their winding streets are filled with cafes, gelaterias, and boutiques interspersed among Renaissance palaces and Gothic churches. But once you’ve ticked off the must-see landmarks (like St. Mark’s Campanile and the Gallerie dell’Accademia museum), explore lesser-known neighborhoods like Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and Castellom, where locals crowd low-key trattorias for afternoon aperitivo. And don’t miss the nearby islands. Just a short ferry ride away, you’ll find Burano, which is known for its intricate lace and brightly colored houses, and Murano, world-famous for its vibrant, hand-blown glass.
