Tap to explore
Milan Duomo's flooring was designed by Pellegrino Pellegrini, also known as "Tibaldi", who was Archbishop Charles Borromeo's favorite artist.
Detail of the floor of Milan DuomoVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The flooring is made using three stones: the gray-pink marble from Candoglia, black marble from Varenna on Lake Como, and red marble from Arzo in the Canton of Ticino.
The decorative motif consists of a large, squared Candoglia marble tile, with a repeating geometric-floran pattern.
Floor of Milan DuomoVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The large, pink central circular area is enclosed by scallop shells and floral motifs, arranged axially along the squared's corners, and repeating in an offset manner.
View of the choir exterior from the southern sideVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The floor was designed by Tibald in the second half of the 16th century, realized from 1584 onward and was the subject of substantial renovation in 1914–20, per Luca Beltrami's wishes.
Lateral view of the presbyteryVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
There have been numerous restorations, renovations, and maintenance works over time—required given the delicacy of the Candoglia marble, which is subject to deterioration caused by foot traffic.
Detail of Milan Duomo's floorVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Some parts of the original flooring are currently kept and displayed at the beginning of the exhibition path of the Duomo di Milano Museum.
Read more on Milan Cathedral Remixed.
