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Milan's Duomo: Building Italy's Largest Cathedral with Giacomo Zavatteri
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Join us for an interactive discussion featuring the exquisite architecture of Milan's Cathedral. The Duomo has dominated Milan's skyline for centuries, inspires artists and tourists alike, and is now available to explore on a virtual platform thanks to recent developments of 3D videography. Together we will review tales from moments in history this majestic building has borne witness to, as well as discuss its foundational architecture.
The cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete; its construction began in 1386, and the final details were completed in 1965. It is the largest church in Italy—even larger than St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City – and is the third-largest church in the world. Guided with the accompaniment of our expert's 3D virtual technology and videos, we will enter inside to take a closer look – descending together under the church foundations to reveal its secrets and unveil what existed before the construction of the cathedral.
Our discussion will also introduce the political figures and masterful artisans who have been protagonists throughout Milan Duomo's history. We will discuss the founder of the Milanese church Saint Ambrose, Leonardo da Vinci's connection to the blueprints, the Coronation of Napoleon (crowned King of Italy at the Duomo’s altar), and finally, follow Mussolini during the last days of his life in Milan.
Led by Giacomo Zavatteri, an expert art historian and Medieval art, this seminar will unveil Duomo's secrets as we interpret the sculptural clues left by its architects and its leaders. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travel, this seminar will provide participants with the historical context to support their future visits to the city of Milan.
To explore available in-person Context Travel tours in Milan, we invite you to click here.
Giacomo has a degree in Preservation of Cultural Heritage with a specialization in Medieval Art. After an internship at Handel House Museum in London, UK, he returned to Italy to work as a professional translator. He has been a professional tour guide in Milano since 2005. Deeply in love with his city, he likes to unveil her secret charm, discover hidden stories of the most important monuments, and understand why people of the past built them and how they looked at them. He loves to share hidden spots even locals do not know and is always looking for new places for the best gelato, food, and drinks.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
This lecture on the Duomo was interesting and informative. Giacomo is a wonderful teacher and guide. I’ve had 2 private tours with him in Milan over the past years. He’s the best!
Leaned a lot in this webinar. I’ve been to the Duomo a number of times but did not know about DaVinci and Napoleon’s roles.
Mr. Zavatteri's presentation was interesting and full of information we didn't know about. In fact it prompted us to contact Context about touring the archeological site which they provided. We plan to visit soon in mid September. It was a pleasure to listen to Mr. Zavatteri.