Exploring the Craft Behind Milan’s Iconic Cathedral
Earlier this month, Quarra Stone’s President James Durham and Artistic Director Martin Foot traveled to Northern Italy for a rare and moving experience—a private visit to the historic Candoglia Quarry and the awe-inspiring Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano).
Nestled at the edge of Lake Maggiore, the Candoglia Quarry has supplied the Duomo with its signature pink-hued marble since 1387. It is one of the few quarries in the world dedicated to a single project for over six centuries. To walk its grounds is to witness firsthand the power of legacy and the sacred relationship between material, craft, and architecture.
Accompanied by Francesco Canali and Marco Scolari—stewards of the Cathedral’s ongoing restoration—our team traced the journey of stone from extraction to placement high on the Duomo’s towering spires. It was a powerful reminder that behind every carved pinnacle is not just stone, but generations of labor, knowledge, and devotion.
For Quarra, this visit was more than educational—it reaffirmed our deep commitment to the craft. It is in places like Candoglia and projects like the Duomo where our passion for stonework is reignited. These are not just buildings—they are acts of cultural memory, brought to life by human hands over hundreds of years.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our hosts for sharing their time and wisdom. Their dedication continues to inspire the work we do every day.
