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Monza Cathedral was founded in 595 by Theodelinda and enlarged in the 13th century. Its green-and-white marble façade was erected in 1390–96 by Matteo da Campione, and the campanile dates from 1592 to 1606. Within the cathedral church is the iron crown (Corona Ferrea) of Lombardy, supposedly formed from one of the nails used at Christ's crucifixion and used after 1311 for the coronation of the Holy Roman emperors and of Napoleon at Milan in 1805.
Internally the original wooden roof would have somewhat lightened the general impression of a wide, low, massive structure. Even now the drop in height from nave to aisles and aisles to chapels ensures that no hall effect is created.
The photo shows the nave towards the counter-façade.
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