Duomo di Monza (Monza Cathedral), Monza

Gothic cathedral with early medieval origins

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Founded in the 6th century, the cathedral of Monza, also known as basilica of Saint John the Baptist (San Giovanni Battista) is Monza's most important religious building.

In the end of the 6th century, queen Theodelinda, wife of Lombard king Autari and later of king Agilulfo, founded this church as a chapel for their nearby palace in the outskirts of the small village of Monza and close to river Lambro. Theodelinda was instrumental in the conversion of the Lombards to catholicism, so the church was founded relying on Pope Gregory the Great's support. Almost nothing survives from this initial phase of the Duomo, besides part of the precious liturgical treasure which can now be seen at the cathedral's museum.

The building was massively renovated at the end of the 13th and beginning of the 14th century under the patronage of the Visconti family. Legend says that Theodelinda and Saint Elizabeth miraculously appeared to father Francesco da Guissano showing him the location of some ancient relics. The new construction works begun in 1300, and the body of Theodelinda was moved in 1308 to its new location.

Around 1350 a new building phase started following the designs of Matteo da Campione, when the façade, baptistery and pulpit were erected. The Visconti wanted to turn the basilica into a great church where imperial coronations would take place because, according to the old German custom, the emperor had to receive three crowns made of different materials and in different places: silver in Aachen, gold in Rome and iron in Monza.

The apse was profoundly changed in the 16th century due to the needs of the Trento Counter-Reform, and a new tower was also built. The central nave's vault was renovated in the 17th century, and a new chapel for the treasury created. Lots of new Baroque paintings and altarpieces were also incorporated. The façade was later transformed in the 18th century.

The current cathedral is, thus, the result of a series of building phases throughout the centuries.

Worth knowing

Monza's cathedral is one of the most important basilicas in Italy and still holds many privileges. Perhaps the most interesting is the right to have its own armed guards, the 'Alabardieri'. This unique army, only parallel to the Swiss Guards of the Vatican, has very old origins and can be identified by their blue woolen uniform decorated with golden trimming. They only show up for the pontifical mass at 10:30, as well as other solemn services on festive days such as Christmas, Epiphany (6 January), Easter, Corpus Domini, and the day of St John the Baptist (24 June)

Watch out for

The most sacred space in the cathedral, apart from the main altar, is the Theodelinda Chapel. Located on the left of the central apse, it was built in the 14th century and decorated with stunning frescoes at the beginning of the 15th century by the Zavattari family. They depict scenes from the Historia Langobardorum by Paul the Deacon and a late 14th-century legend by Bonincontro Morigia telling the story of the wedding of Theodelinda and king Agilulfo.

Inside the chapel, you can also see the 'Corona Ferrea' or Iron Crown. Venerated as a relic, the beautiful Bizantine golden crown dated in the 5th-9th century is said to contain the original iron diadem made with one of the nails used in Christ's crucifixion. Saint Helen, mother of emperor Constantine, would have given it to his son, and it later came into the hands of Pope Gregory the Great who gave it to Theodelinda. It became a symbol of the Kingdom of Italy and was used to crown emperors Charles V, Napoleon and Ferdinand I.

Visitor comments

"The duomo, which was founded around 600 by queen Theodolinda, is a very beautiful building. The walls and ceiling are covered in beautiful frescoes dating to the 1700s and Teodolinda's chapel has been recently renovated and can be seen only by a guided tour" - Trip Advisor
"During a business trip to Monza a visit to the cathedral and museums were planned. The cathedral is totally decorated with religious paintings in the interior and also has beautiful jewels pertaining to the ancient kings of Monza. Really beautiful place." - Trip Advisor
"Beautiful building and another gem that makes Monza so lovely. Worth making the trip from Milan if you are staying there." - Trip Advisor

When to come

The Theodelinda chapel, which can only be visited with a guided tour, is open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mondays.