Milans magnificent gothic cathedral has 135 spires, all in desperate need of restoration and the Venerando  Fabbrica del Doumo, which has been in charge of maintenance since the Duomo was built in 1387, has launched an appeal for sponsors to help with repairs.

Adopt a Spire has been launched worldwide, with details of the Intesa San Paolo bank account where donations can be sent. The contribution requested for adopting one of the spires is 100,000, which entitles donors to have their name recorded on a plaque at the base of their chosen spire. However, smaller donations to the restoration fund are gratefully welcomed.

The highest steeple of all, crowned by the celebrated Madonnina, is the most urgent steeple-in-need, with an estimated 25 million required for restoration. For months it has been covered in scaffolding, awaiting funding.

The Duomo of Milan is one of Italys most important monuments, with 2  million visitors every year. Its unique exterior, bristling with spires and 3,400 statues, is built with rare pink-streaked marble from the Candoglia quarry at Lake Maggiore which is eroded by pollution and adverse weather conditions and needs continuous maintenance.

For information:  www.adottaunaguglia.duomomilano.it