The protruding part of a church located behind the altar is called an apse in church terminology. In Duomo, it has a semicircular shape and will reveal several interesting places to curious travelers at once.
First of all, it is worth noting that the crypt is located here - an "underground church" where the relics of Saint Carlo Borromeo are kept. If you are lucky and it is open, be sure to take a look inside.
In addition, the south sacristy is also located here. The entrance to it is closed - because, in essence, this place is a utility room - priestly vestments and various church implements are stored here. But it is no less interesting to look at the south sacristy from the outside - its entrance is adorned with Gothic doors from the 14th century.
And you can linger in the apse itself for quite a while - this part of Duomo is decorated with three huge stained-glass windows. The first is the "New Testament Window." The Holy Scripture on it unfolds from bottom to top and from right to left. It is followed by the "Apocalypse Window" and then the "Old Testament Window." If you are well acquainted with the texts of the Bible, you will find these stained-glass windows very interesting!
You can learn even more interesting facts about the cathedral's exterior and interior decoration by downloading Ever.Travel's mobile app and its audio guide to Duomo.
