The High Altar

Central nave of the Duomo leads to the majestic presbytery area, which leaves many visitors in awe.

An area enclosed by 10 pillars and reserved for officiating clergy (the presbyters), in a raised position above the floor level.

The presbytery is the result of the renovation that took place during the restoration of the lantern pillars (1984): its functionality was reorganized according to the dictates of the Second Vatican Council.

Today, the presbytery is divided into two parts, with various functions: a presbytery for weekdays and holidays, and resurrects the architectural design by Pellegrino Pellegrini for Saint Charles Borromeo.

The holiday presbytery is accessed by semicircular steps and is in part of the central nave and the old senatorial choir.

The high altar is at the center, and came from the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, one of two pre-existing basilicas.

The altar was consecrated by Pope Martin V on October 16, 1418, which indicated the start of officiating at the new Cathedral.

Raised to the level of the new presbytery from the time of Saint Charles, it is now visible in all its fundamental, architectural grandeur, as the liturgical center of great strength of expression.

Ten large semioctagonal pillars with Romanesque-composite capitals and the same number of slabs support the monolithic mensa measuring approximately 11 x 8.5 feet (3.40 x 2.60 m). It is carved from Broccatello marble from Verona.

The term mensa refers to the surface of the altar and takes its name from the liturgy of the mensa, or from the reproduction of the last supper of Christ.

When the altar was moved to its current position, the two front side panels were found to be carved on the inside, so they were turned over and placed in the center of the two front ones.

The two symmetrical reliefs were part of a pagan Roman sarcophagus from the 3rd century BCE and feature a man holding a scroll.

Milanese archbishops have officiated at this altar for eight centuries, guarding testimony to the roots of Ambrosian Christianity.

Read more on Milan Cathedral Remixed.