Cathedral of Milan

In 1682 the façade of cathedral Santa Maria Maggiore was demolished. In 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte, about to be crowned King of Italy, ordered the façade to be finished. In his enthusiasm, he assured that all expenses would fall to the French treasurer. Even though this reimbursement was never paid, it still meant that finally, within only seven years, the Cathedral had its façade completed. As a form of thanksgiving, a statue of Napoleon was placed at the top of one of the spires. Napoleon was crowned King of Italy at the Duomo.

Dromos