Duomo of Como: unity in diversity

Located in the hearth of Como side by side with the marble of Broletto, the cathedral of Como (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) is not only the most important building but also a true representative of our rich history and heritage.

Begun in 1396, the construction of the cathedral took almost 350 years, without ever being closed, and it has stood on that site for over a thousand years, where a smaller one once stood. Due to the prolonged construction, it features a succession of styles that have been integrated in harmonious coexistence. The architectural detail is now Gothic, now Renaissance, Baroque or Romanesque; rarely can one see so clearly the struggle between the tendencies which divided the centuries, as here, materialised in marble.

It is not only a coexistence of styles but also of materials. Looking closely at the building, you’ll notice that is made of different types of marble; different colours, different textures but all in substantial continuity. All these materials come from the Comacino area, as if they were representatives of the different communities: white marble from Musso, red marble from Canton of Ticino and black marble from Varenna. These three materials are all present, but without giving the impression of a mixture of unrelated elements; rather, they coexist eclectically and harmoniously.

The cathedral shows that differences may not even be sources of conflict, but rather variations that can enrich a single whole when united by common values and purpose.

Details of the cathedral