Milan - Piazza del Duomo

The life of Milan centers on the Piazza del Duomo, flanked on the north and south sides by palatial buildings, designed by Mengoni and erected from 1876 onwards. Near the west end is an equestrian statue of Victor Emanuel II (1896). Under the square are the foundations of the Basilica di Santa Tecla (fourth-fifth and seventh century; "winter church") and the fourth century baptistery (Battisterio di San Giovanni alle Fonti), which were discovered during the construction of the Metropolitana (access from the cathedral). Adjoining the Piazza del Duomo to the northwest is the Piazza dei Mercanti, beyond which is the Piazza Cordusio. From the cathedral to the Piazza Cordusio extends an underground passage, with numerous shops.