A view of the soaring spires of Milan Cathedral. Courtesy of Milan Tourist Office
Celebration of the Holy Nail
When: Sep 2010 (annual)
Where: Duomo
Rating:
Phone: +39 02 720 226 56
During the Celebration of the Holy Nail, Milan's archbishop ascends towards the ceiling of the Duomo in a rickety mechanical basket to bring down the relic to the crowd. It supposedly comes from the cross on which Christ died.
The nail lost its original appearance when the Roman Emperor Constantine melted it into riding apparel for his horse and its history is also unclear. It may have come with Saint Ambrosius, around the 4th century AD, or a few centuries later with the Crusaders. Either way this bizarre event is a must-see if you find yourself in Milan in September.
Tourist Office
Milan Tourist Information Office
Piazza Duomo 19/a (basement), Milan, Italy
Phone: +39 02 7740 4343 (in UK +44 (0) 20 7408 1254)
Fax: +39 02 725 24 350
E-mail: , iat.info@provincia.milano.it
