The Spirituality of Marble: From the Candoglia Quarries to Milan’s Duomo
Behind the majestic beauty of Milan’s Duomo lies a story of vision, devotion, and centuries of human dedication. More than a cathedral, the Duomo is a spiritual and architectural masterpiece — carved almost entirely from the luminous Candoglia marble, extracted from the mountains near Lake Maggiore.
Gian Galeazzo Visconti and the Vision of the Duomo of Milan
In the late 14th century, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, envisioned a cathedral that would embody both the power of his era and the profound spirituality of the city. His ambition was unprecedented: to build a cathedral entirely in white marble, a material as pure as the faith it was meant to represent.
The marble was sourced from the Candoglia quarries, located between Mergozzo and Lake Maggiore, an area that would become inseparably linked to the identity of Milan’s Duomo.
A Sacred Journey: Transporting Marble to Milan
Each block of marble followed an extraordinary journey. Extracted from the mountains, the stone was transported by water through an ingenious system of lakes and canals — from Lake Maggiore, down the Ticino River, and along the Naviglio Grande, until it reached the heart of Milan.
Every block was marked with the inscription A.U.F. – Ad Usum Fabricae, meaning “for the use of the Cathedral,” granting it tax-free passage and affirming its sacred purpose.
From Candoglia to Ornavasso: At the Source of the Duomo’s Marble
At Sublime Lakes, we went directly to the source of this centuries-old story — visiting the Ornavasso quarries, closely connected to Candoglia and active during the construction of the Duomo.
Just beyond the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia, the quarries emerge from the mountain like a silent guardian. The atmosphere is powerful, suspended between light, stone, and time — a place where marble still holds its ancient secrets.
Meeting Stefano: Guardian of a Four-Generation Legacy
Here we meet Stefano, owner of the Ornavasso quarries, whose family has preserved this extraordinary heritage for four generations. During the construction of Milan’s Duomo, his ancestors worked alongside the Candoglia quarries, extracting the same radiant marble that continues to define the cathedral today.
Stefano embodies the spirit of the mountain — a man of deep knowledge, respect for nature, and pride in a legacy that unites history, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty.
Inside the Ornavasso Quarries: A Sublime Experience
Entering the Ornavasso quarries is an experience that transcends words. As Stefano guides us inside, he shares stories of innovation, perseverance, and vision — generations of work that transformed the mountain into a place of light and wonder.
Marble staircases carved directly into the rock lead deep inside the mountain. The walls glow with natural brilliance, revealing vast chambers shaped by both nature and human hands. At higher levels, an astonishing sight awaits: a monumental hall entirely sculpted in marble, renowned for its extraordinary acoustics, where even the softest sound resonates with haunting perfection.
This is not simply a visit — it is an encounter with the sublime, where art, nature, and spirituality converge.
