Perseverance - What the Duomo of Milan can teach us
Bigger and Bolder projects take time. A LOT OF TIME. But in the end, it's worth it; even if you never have the chance to see the results.
When I think of time-intensive projects, my first thought is always the Duomo (Cathedral) of Milan. It is certainly a sight to behold.
Duomo of Milan from the Piazza del Duomo. ©Anthony Johnson
At first sight, I was struck by the glory and beauty of its ornate facade. The size of the church is enormous (11,700 mq). It's the second largest church in Italy and the fifth largest in the world. But it wasn't built over ten, 15, or even 100 years. In fact, the Duomo took SIX CENTURIES TO COMPLETE!
After hearing this, I wasn't sure what impressed me more: the actual finished work itself or the determination to complete the project. Here are a few lessons that we can take away from this great endeavor.
1) Establish a vision at the beginning
It was important for future generations to understand the goal of the project. When Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo began construction of the cathedral in 1386, he had a partner in his cousin, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan. Visconti established the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, the "historic organization responsible for preservation and restoration of the Cathedral." And indeed, it still operates today! You can find more about info about it here.
So what was their vision? Visconti wanted to build a cathedral that would rival all others in European architecture. It is built in the Gothic style like most of Europe. Today, as initially intended, the Duomo di Milano stands as the symbol of Milan. It is a source of communal pride, a work of grandeur, and place of religious devotion.
2) Prepare for the Second Half
Construction began in 1386. The cathedral was almost half finished in 1403. The last work was finally complete on January 6, 1965. Let's compare the number of years. First Half = 17. Second Half = 562. To be fair, the cathedral was consecrated in 1418. It has been in-use since that date. But it was not yet the masterpiece it is today.
Lesson: the final phases will test the will. Productivity slows to almost a halt. Team members come and go. In my own experience with these kinds of projects, from my novel to my family history documentary, sometimes it felt like the process would never end.
In the face of adversity, it's about the resolve to finish the job.
3) Celebrate every victory along the way
Every architect and sculptor who worked on the Duomo put their mark on the project. This magnificent structure holds 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures. At the highest spire stands the Madonnina, the gold-colored statue of Mary. All of the statues work together to create the character of the Duomo.
Napoleon Bonaparte was also a crucial player the Duomo's final phases. After he took control of Milan in 1805, Napoleon commissioned the construction of the facade and reignited enthusiasm for the project. The facade was completed in only seven years.
4) Nothing is Ever Finished
For the Duomo, after all this time, there is still more work to be done. The cathedral today is undergoing major restoration efforts. The Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo even established a program titled "Get Your Spire" where you can sponsor a specific spire, statue, or work in the cathedral.
For myself, with my own novel, Roman America, I completed writing the book in three years. Is there still more work to be done? Yes. I've been editing it slowly, here and there, for the past ten years. It's almost ready.
Will it ever be perfect? No. Because look at the Duomo of Milan. It looks complete, but there's still more work to be done.
The greatest works take time, patience, and above all, Perseverance.
Greetings! I'm Anthony Johnson
I am the author of Roman America, a historical fiction novel where the Roman Empire discovers the New World in the first century AD. Check it out. This is my blog, AnthonySPQR.com, where I examine history and share my insights to propose creative and constructive solutions for today.
I work in Rome, Italy as a video editor for EWTN producing news and documentaries about the Vatican. Full Bio>>>