Tourism

The Duomo Cathedral in Milan will have an elevator

In order to attract more tourists and increase visitors to the panoramic sites of the cathedral, by 2015 (the EXPO exhibition in Milan), the authorities plan to build an external elevator near one of the walls of the famous Milan Duomo.

The project, presented by La Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo (literally, “The Glorious Worker’s Institution of the Cathedral of Milan”), which is dedicated to supporting and restoring the cathedral, caused a great deal of controversy and discussion among Milanese. To get to the observation deck, many tourists (and there are about 700 thousand a year) should climb the stairs from 201 steps or use the internal elevator (by the way, quite fast). That is, to climb the top of the Duomo today is possible without any problems.

More recently, it became possible to combine an excursion in Milan with a photo shoot. To visit the Duomo Cathedral and other main attractions of Milan is a unique project of the team of the site CHEEZZ.ME, which brings together a professional guide and photographer , friend and local resident in one person. We recommend that all our readers planning their trip to Italy use their services.

So why add an external elevator, even light and transparent? Proponents of the project argue that such a decision will increase the attractiveness of the cathedral, which, judging by the regular statements of the administration, urgently needs additional funds to ensure the proper level of operation and management. Of course, the project has both its pros and cons.

Find a hotel near the Duomo Cathedral

Let's start with the pros. Firstly, the external elevator undoubtedly attracts tourists, providing a vivid impression of the views that are already during the ascent. Secondly, the transparent elevator will be a lightweight structure that does not violate the panorama that opens from the roof. Thirdly, it will not be rigidly mounted in the wall of the cathedral, and therefore, if necessary, after 2015 it can be easily disassembled. By the way, this is one of the main arguments in favor of installing the design. Finally, the external elevator is a trace of modernity, a concession that the Duomo makes to our time. After all, the whole history of the Milan Cathedral is a history of "compromises" and "concessions" to the spirit of the times. Given that the construction of the Duomo began in the 1300s, and ended at the behest of Napoleon in the early 1800s, the final appearance of the building does not coincide with the idea of ​​the first architects and carries architectural features of all five centuries of its construction. So this is a very tolerant and "flexible" cathedral.

But let us also mention the disadvantages of the project. The main argument of opponents of installing an external elevator is the assertion that in this way a cursory, superficial inspection of the Milan Duomo is encouraged: a staircase or an old elevator at least creates a feeling of "overcoming obstacles".

It seems more likely that the elevator will be installed in order to maximize the income from the cathedral, rather than popularize it.

Of course, for the maintenance of the Duomo requires resources that just the same new elevator should provide. However, the project developers should provide specific figures: how much more people will be able to climb the roof per year compared with the current 700 thousand, what is the expected income they will bring?

Watch the video: Milan Duomo Rooftop Tour (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Tourism, Next Article

How to say hello in Italian
Italian language

How to say hello in Italian

It only seems that the colloquial speech of Italians' greetings is limited exclusively to "Ciao!" Today we will study all the greetings in Italian with transcription and translation. A few months ago I came to work in a new office. After a long timeout, it was both great and scary.
Read More
10 first steps to learn Italian
Italian language

10 first steps to learn Italian

Italian is a very beautiful language in which the liveliest debate sounds like a song. However, for some foreigners, learning a singing language is not easy at all. Not everyone will be able to regularly and methodically study grammar rules and vocabulary, as well as spend a lot of time on textbooks.
Read More
How to say many thanks in Italian
Italian language

How to say many thanks in Italian

You do not know how to thank the Italian? Then this article is for you. Most tourists in Italy always thank the same, with the word “grace”, grazie is written in Italian. For example, it sounds like this: grazie per l'aiuto (thanks for the help). But in fact, there are quite a few variations of the word "thank you", which will not be difficult to learn.
Read More
Learning Italian and basic difficulties for beginners
Italian language

Learning Italian and basic difficulties for beginners

I remember, about 7 years ago, a friend of mine, who began studying the Italian language, constantly told me how difficult it is. Knowing the nature of the acquaintance, I nodded, but believed that the problem was not so much in the language as in it: enthusiasm and perseverance can work miracles, but with the presence of these qualities there were questions to the acquaintance.
Read More