The ascent to the roof terraces is really worthwhile. The view over Milan is magnificent and it is unforgettable to see so many spires, pinnacles, gargoyles, 3.500 statues and spectacular octagonal drum so close up. Looking at the triangular façade (56 metres high and 67,9 metres wide) five spans delimit the nave and double aisles and together with six Neo Gothic buttresses surmounted by pinnacles highlight the main vessel and portals of the church. In about 1500 the first of four contiguous spires was erected. The most visible spire is 108 and a half metres high and placed on top of it is the famous statue of the "Madonnina" considered a symbol in Milan. This is a gilded copper figure 4.16 metres tall sculpted by Giuseppe Bini in 1774 and covered in 3.900 sheets of gold leaf. The main spire was erected between 1765 and 1769.