A private visit scheduled exceptionally on saturday morning by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, welcomed on the terraces by the President of the Veneranda Fabbrica di Milano, Prof. Angelo Caloia.

“An extraordinary sight,” commented an admired Barroso, who however observed the state of suffering of one of the world’s most visited and appreciated monuments, one of the most important centers of Christianity, symbol of European identity, and heart of the Italian tourist system.

Each year over 5 million visitors pass through the Duomo of Milan, attracted by the world’s most unique terraces, the 135 spires, in addition to the 3,400 statues and the magnificent stained-glass windows.

“An important signal,” said Prof. Caloia, “that underlines the need for cultural heritage to establish structured relationships with the Government and with Europe. For some time, the Duomo has been summoning all the public authorities to rally for a binding commitment, a challenge that has been passed down among the generations for centuries.”

The safety of the monument has always been the number one priority of the Fabbrica. The Duomo, heart of Milan and of the Milanese, is suffering today more than ever, and needs the support and active participation of all, devotes and citizens alike, including Europe, to return to its original magnificence and present itself with dignity to millions of Expo visitors.