Rito della Nivola

[4] This Nivola itself dates back at least to the 16th century, and its design or realization are sometimes credited to Leonardo da Vinci.

[5] It is composed of a large basket, 3 m long and about as wide, weighing about 800 kg, and lifted by hoists.

The tradition was established by Carlo Borromeo, who chose to celebrate the rite on May 3 (feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross), a date that was kept until the mid 20th century;[1] it was later changed to September 14 after Pope John XXIII abolished the May 3 holiday.

[7][8][9] The rite is open to the public but a reservation is needed, to be acquired from the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo offices.

[4] There are two days a year when the Nivola can be seen in action; when the Holy Nail is retrieved from its case, on September 14, and when it is put back, about two weeks later.