Exterior view
by MATTEO DA CAMPIONE, Photo
Monza Cathedral was founded in 595 by Theodelinda and enlarged in the 13th century. Its green-and-white marble fa�ade was erected in 1390–96 by Matteo da Campione, and the campanile dates from 1592 to 1606. Within the cathedral church is the iron crown (Corona Ferrea) of Lombardy, supposedly formed from one of the nails used at Christ’s crucifixion and used after 1311 for the coronation of the Holy Roman emperors and of Napoleon at Milan in 1805.
The massive west front is divided into five parts by six lesene (applied strips), each of which is surmounted by a tabernacle housing a statue. The fa�ade has several mullioned windows with, in the centre, a large rose window framed by a motif inspired by Roman antique ceilings, decorated with rosettes, masks and star motifs.
The photo shows the fa�ade.