Topped with a golden statue called the Madonnina, this cathedral's main spire has watched over Milan for over two centuries — and for decades no building was allowed to stand taller.

The Duomo took nearly 600 years to complete (1386–1965). The Madonnina atop the main spire at 108m was installed in 1774. An unwritten rule said no building in Milan could be taller — the Pirelli Tower (1960, 127m) placed a replica of the Madonnina on its roof to respect the tradition.