Milan Cathedral, or Duomo, is the symbol of Milan in the country, and is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It expresses the heritage and humanity of the Milanese people, through the centuries that reflected its splendor and humanity's devotion to divinity. In addition to being an artistic monument and a distinguished place of prayer, it is closely linked to the memory and teaching of the bishops in the time of Saint Ambrose, as well as to the history of the millions of devotees who gather every year at this place to celebrate the sacraments. The cathedral is the mother church of the diocese, and has a symbolic role of idealism both in the life of the city of worship, and in relation to the activity of the diocese. It is also an archaeological landmark with a very distinctive architectural character, and its construction lasted for 600 years.