The Milan Cathedral remains one of Europe’s most impressive landmarks, taking nearly six centuries to build. This monument is known for its iconic Gothic style, thousands of marble statues, and the famous golden figure that looks over the city of Milan.
This quiz looks at the history, structure, and design of this masterpiece. You will see questions about the long construction timeline, the specific materials used, and some curious design choices hidden on the grounds.
When you finish, try our other quizzes. Learn about famous buildings, read up on famous landmarks, or study sacred architecture.
On which famous city square is the Milan Cathedral located?
Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria
The primary construction material used for the Milan Cathedral is which of the following?
Sandstone
Sandstone
Marble
Marble
Granite
Granite
Limestone
Limestone
Which Milanese ruler formally commissioned the construction of the cathedral in 1386?
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci
Napoléon Bonaparte
Napoléon Bonaparte
The Pope
The Pope
Gian Galeazzo Visconti
Gian Galeazzo Visconti
Milan Cathedral is famous for being one of the largest examples of which architectural style in the world?
Gothic
Gothic
Renaissance
Renaissance
Baroque
Baroque
Romanesque
Romanesque
What is the ‘Madonnina’, the famous golden centerpiece that sits atop the tallest spire of the cathedral?
Stone statue of Saint Ambrose
Stone statue of Saint Ambrose
Marble statue of an angel
Marble statue of an angel
Bronze statue of The Virgin Mary
Bronze statue of The Virgin Mary
Gold-plated statue of The Virgin Mary
Gold-plated statue of The Virgin Mary
Approximately how many statues adorn the interior and exterior of the Milan Cathedral?
4,400
4,400
2,400
2,400
3,400
3,400
1,400
1,400
The Candoglia marble used for the cathedral was transported through an elaborate network of canals from which Italian region?
Lombardy
Lombardy
Veneto
Veneto
Tuscany
Tuscany
Piedmont
Piedmont
How many spires, which contribute to the ‘forest of stone’ appearance, are found on the roof of the cathedral?
135
135
235
235
85
85
185
185
In what decade was the construction of the Milan Cathedral finally considered officially complete?
1950s
1950s
1930s
1930s
1960s
1960s
1940s
1940s
From start to finish, approximately how long did the construction process of the Milan Cathedral last?
400 years
400 years
500 years
500 years
600 years
600 years
300 years
300 years
The cathedral is dedicated to the Nativity of Saint Mary, but which patron saint of Milan holds significant historical importance to the site?
Saint Peter
Saint Peter
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Ambrose
Saint Ambrose
Saint Mark
Saint Mark
Which architectural feature allowed the Milan Cathedral to reach such immense heights while supporting its heavy masonry roofs?
The high altar
The high altar
The crypt
The crypt
Stained glass windows
Stained glass windows
Flying buttresses
Flying buttresses
In what year was the golden statue of the Madonnina placed atop the highest spire?
1774
1774
1784
1784
1764
1764
1794
1794
What is the term for the carved stone figures on the cathedral that serve as decorative drainage spouts?
Gargoyle
Gargoyle
Rose window
Rose window
Flying buttress
Flying buttress
Pinnacle
Pinnacle
What is the name of the historic institution established in 1387 that is still responsible for the care and restoration of the cathedral today?
Milan town hall
Milan town hall
The Visconti Construction Society
The Visconti Construction Society
Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo
Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo
The Vatican Architect Guild
The Vatican Architect Guild
What is the approximate height of the highest spire upon which the Madonnina sits?
108 meters
108 meters
118 meters
118 meters
88 meters
88 meters
98 meters
98 meters
During which century was the cathedral’s complex façade finally completed under the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte?
1500s
1500s
1700s
1700s
1600s
1600s
1800s
1800s
Which 9th-century basilica, serving as the winter co-cathedral of the city, was demolished in stages to make way for the construction of the new cathedral?
San Lorenzo Maggiore
San Lorenzo Maggiore
Santa Tecla
Santa Tecla
Santa Maria Maggiore
Santa Maria Maggiore
Sant’Ambrogio
Sant’Ambrogio
Which famous shopping arcade, often considered a gateway to the cathedral, was built in the 19th century adjacent to the square?
The Cathedral itself
The Cathedral itself
The Royal Palace of Milan
The Royal Palace of Milan
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
La Scala Opera House
La Scala Opera House
For many years, a traditional law in Milan mandated what regarding the height of buildings in relation to the cathedral?
The cathedral bells must ring first in the city
The cathedral bells must ring first in the city
Buildings cannot be higher than the Madonnina statue
Buildings cannot be higher than the Madonnina statue
No other church can be built within one mile
No other church can be built within one mile
Buildings must have the same color of marble as the cathedral
Buildings must have the same color of marble as the cathedral
What unique astronomical feature is embedded in the floor of the cathedral, near the main entrance?
The meridian line on the floor for astronomical observation
The meridian line on the floor for astronomical observation
A collection of Napoleon’s personal jewelry
A collection of Napoleon’s personal jewelry
The Last Supper mural
The Last Supper mural
The tomb of Leonardo da Vinci
The tomb of Leonardo da Vinci
Which striking, macabre marble statue, located inside the cathedral, is famous for its anatomical detail?
A statue of a boxer
A statue of a boxer
A statue of Saint Bartholomew depicting his own flayed skin draped over his shoulders
A statue of Saint Bartholomew depicting his own flayed skin draped over his shoulders
A sculpture of a human heart
A sculpture of a human heart
A miniature model of the Roman Colosseum
A miniature model of the Roman Colosseum
You can do better
Not bad
Great!
For more like this, try our quizzes on architectural details, search famous squares, or look at sculpture.
