Milan is often considered the fashion capital of the world, and for good reasons too! Italian fashion houses are seen as the pinnacle of luxury fashion and couture. Milan is the hub of fashion enthusiasts and culture seekers alike! However, if you ever visit the beautiful city of Milan in Italy, make sure to visit the focal point of the city- The Milan Duomo.
Upon entering the city, you will be greeted by the 14-foot golden statue of Mary, Madonnina. Then you will see Milan Duomo. The beautiful Milan Duomo and the 14-foot statue of Mary have been protecting the city and its residents for over a hundred years. The article given here will guide you on the best way to do a Milan Duomo tour.
Advantages of a Duomo Milan Guided Tour
Skip the lines
Duomo Milan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Milan. This imposing structure has been an ongoing building project for over 600 years. To beat the crowds and to make sure that you get admitted to the Milan Duomo structure at a time of your choosing, make sure to book a Duomo Milan Guided Tour!
An expert and passionate guide
As we mentioned earlier, the Duomo Milan has been in construction for over 600 years. The Milan Duomo is a symbol for the people of Milan and there is a lot of history built into the walls of the Duomo. With a Duomo Milan Tour, you also get your guide. This guide is an expert in Milan history and can give you fun facts and little-known historical tidbits that you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.
An audio guide to explore Duomo Milan at your own pace
Maybe, you don't want to have a guide with you, and you would much rather do a tour at your own pace. With a Duomo Milan Guided Tour, you get to do just that! Along with the benefits of a Duomo Milan Guided Tour, you also get the option to opt for an audio-guided tour. The audio-guided tour allows you to go at your own pace.
A chance to include other attractions (Selected tours only)
With a Duomo Milan Guided Tour, you also get a chance to visit the other famous landmarks of the city. These tourist attractions are laden with history and culture. With the help of your guided tour, you can make the most out of your guided tours, and know more about the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, the church of Santa Maria Presso San Satiro, La Scala Theater, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and other Milan tourist attractions.
The Best Duomo Milan Guided Tours
Guided Tours
Combo Guided Tours
10 things to know before visiting the Milan Cathedral
Choosing the Best Duomo Milan Guided Tour
Before choosing your tour, take a look at the main features of each type of tour and then make an informed decision. Here’s a list of all your Duomo Milan tour options and their highlights.
1Guided Tour with Fast-Track Entry
The beautiful city of Milan has a lot to offer its tourists. If you are on a tight schedule, the Fast-Track Duomo Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour will allow you to gain fast-track entry to the Milan cathedral. This way you can beat the daytime crowds and enjoy a tour of the symbol of Milan- The Milan Duomo and its terraces.
2Small Group Guided Tour
The Milan Duomo has been under construction for over 600 years! As a result, there are many histories and stories built into the walls of the Milan Duomo. With the Duomo Milan tour tickets, you can book a private guided tour for yourself and a few of your loved ones. The guided tour will give a 60-minute tour of the Milan Duomo. Take time to see all the beautiful spires, gargoyles, statues, and underground crypts.
3Milan Half-Day Guided Tour
If you are on a tight schedule and have only half a day to visit some of the most popular tourist destinations in Milan, then the Milan Half-Day Guided Tour will allow you to have a guided tour of the Milan Duomo, and La Scala Opera House with access to Leonardo DaVinci’s masterpieces!
4Dumo Cathedral and Last Supper Semi-Private Tour
If you are looking to come to Milan and visit some of the best tourist attractions here, then the Dumo Cathedral and Last Supper Semi-Private Tour might be for you. This guided tour will include your own guide. The walking tour will take you through the city, and its attractions and culture. A walking tour of the city is always the best way to get to know the city better. The guide is also fluent in English and will tell you all the fun facts and stories about the city and its attractions.
5Milan Tour Including Last Supper and Downtown
With a Duomo Milan tour, you can tour the city of Milan with the help of a guide! With the help of a guide, you can get to know more about the history and culture of the city. The guides are fluent in English and can tell you all the fun facts and hidden stories that you otherwise wouldn’t have known if you tried to do a tour on your own!
6Audio Guided Tour
The imposing symbol of Milan is the Milan Duomo has looked over the people of Milan for a long time. The cathedral and its surrounding attractions hold a lot of history. And if you don't want to deal with a guide, you can opt to choose an audio guide. An audio guide can help you go about a tour at your own pace.
Duomo Milan Tours Deconstructed - A Typical Guided Tour Experience
Milan has a lot to offer its tourists, with a Duomo Milan tour you will get to visit some of the most popular attractions in Milan. Here are the places you can expect to visit on a Duomo Milan tour!
Exclusive Tours
Duomo Rooftop
Milan is already a beautiful city, and the Italian sunsets are popular all around the world. Imagine watching an Italian sunset from one of the most popular tourist destinations in Milan, the Milan Duomo. The Duomo cathedral looms over the residents of Milan. The sights from the rooftops are even better.
Duomo Museum
The Duomo museum has 26 exhibition rooms. Each of the rooms harbors the story and culture of Milan. The beautiful museum is a must-visit when you’re in Milan. See an extensive display of sculptures, stained glasses, paintings, tapestries, terracotta objects, and architectural models which span from the 15th century to the 20th century. You can also see a timeline of the cathedral, all the way back from 1386 to the current day.
Statue of Saint Bartholomew Flayed Alive
If you're in Milan, you have to pay a visit to the Statue of Saint Bartholomew Flayed Alive by Marco d’Agrate. Milan is popular for its beautiful art and its beautiful statues. The Statue of Saint Bartholomew is known for its creepy stare, overly-defined muscles, and features, the statue is a depiction of St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, who was flayed and beheaded.
Madonnina Spire
The people of Milan are watched over by the Madonnina Spire. The 14-foot golden statue of Mary, Madonnina follows your gaze. And guides you towards the Milan Duomo. The Madonnina spire is a golden statue of the Virgin Mary designed and built by Giuseppe Pergeo in 1774. The huge statue is composed of embossed and gilded copper plates and serves as a reminder of the city’s heritage and culture.
Church of San Gottardo
The Church of San Gottardo is within walking distance from the Piazza Duomo. The church has been a huge part of Milan’s history and culture. The Church of San Gottardo has been active since 1336. This church is a must-visit if you are visiting Milan and visiting the Milan Duomo or the Piazza Duomo.
Combo Tours
La Scala Opera House
La Scala is a popular opera house. The most acclaimed artists from all over the world have come to perform in this opera house. The La Scala opera house is to this day, the meeting point for affluent and wealthy people from all over Europe and Milan. If you are ever in Milan, Make sure to check out the La Scala Opera House.
Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’
The painting by Da Vinci of his last supper with him and his 12 apostles is a study of artistic mastery. The last supper is arguably Da Vinci’s most recognizable painting. You can see the painting in all its glory in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church. The church contains the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, which is in the refectory of the convent.
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Milan is famous for its ornate churches and its beautiful art. Milan is often referred to as the birthplace of the renaissance. One other famous church in Milan is the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. The church now houses the Civic Archaeological Museum. The church is also used as a concert hall. This church is a must-visit when you're visiting Milan.
Santa Maria Presso San Satiro
The Santa Maria Presso San Satiro is a church that has a lot of history and culture attached to it. The church has an unimposing exterior and a large interior! Most visitors are shocked at the way this church is built! Trompe-l’œil or architectural optical illusion was popular in the late renaissance architecture sector. In this case, the church choir section had to be made smaller, but using optical illusion, the church looks roomy and spacious from the inside.
Are Duomo Milan Guided Tours Worth it?
The Duomo Milan tickets include a lot of facilities like fast admission passes and guided tour guides. The Milan Duomo is integrated into the history of Milan. Milan has so many historical and cultural stories. A guided tour will be able to give you more historical context to your tours, and even throw in a few fun facts and tidbits! so, yes, Duomo Milan Tour is Really Worth it.
Duomo Milan Practical Information
Opening Hours
9 am to 7 pm, every day (the last admission is at 6:10 pm)
Getting to Duomo Milan
- By Metro:
From Central Station, take the Yellow Underground M3 line to Duomo.
From Cadorna Station, take the Red Underground M1 line to Duomo.
From Garibaldi Station, take the Green Underground M2 to Cadorna. From here you’ll have to take the Red Underground M1 to the Duomo. - By Tram:
In Tram 15, you can get off at Piazza Via Fontana Stop.
In Tram 2 and Tram 14, you can get off at the Via Torino Stop.
On Tram 16, Tram 24, and Tram 27, you can get off at the Via Mazzini Stop.
Insider Tips
- Most of the places mentioned here are places of religious sentiments. Therefore modest clothing is compulsory. And what do we mean by modest? Knees and shoulders must be covered by both men and women at all points during your visit to Duomo.
- Most of the places mentioned here are either walking distance from each other, or are close by. It doesn't make sense to hire any sort of transport for touring these places except for going there.
- You will be on your feet most of the time, so we suggest you wear comfortable shoes.
- There are some religious holidays where the Churches and Cathedrals stay closed. So make sure to look out for that before booking your tickets.
- Make sure to have some of Italy's best gelato in Vanilla Gelati Italiani.
FAQs
To each their own! But it's highly recommended to buy the Rooftop Access Tickets or the Fast Track Tickets to enhance your experience.
Yes, you are allowed to photograph inside the Milan Duomo. But be sure to be respectful and make sure that you are allowed flash photography.
Yes, the Fast Track Tickets will be of utmost use to skip the long lines at Duomo di Milan.
Depending on the season, some times of the day it is better to visit the Milan Duomo than others.
During spring and fall i.e., April - October, early morning/early evenings are the best time with the least footfall.
During the months between November and March, we recommend touring in the afternoon as there will be less fog, and the season doesn’t have many tourists.
If you are planning to eat inside the Duomo Complex, there is a lot of options;-
- Cesarino- where you can find top-notch fast food.
- Ristorante Galleria- try out the best pizza in town. They cater to Italian, Mediterranean, and European cuisine.
- G.B. BAR- After a long day of sightseeing, you would want to sit down and relax with some drinks.
Yes, Duomo di Milan is wheelchair accessible. Although, certain cobblestone pathways may need harder navigation.
The cathedral and archaeological area are open from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM (final entry at 05:10 PM) from Monday to Sunday; the rooftop is open from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM from Friday to Sunday; the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (final entry at 05:10 PM) from Monday to Sunday.
Ready to head to Duomo Milan?
Purchase discounted Duomo Milan tickets via Headout today! Explore Duomo Milan in a hassle-free fashion with all the need-to-know information in hand.
Fancy heading out to some other stunning Milan attractions? Take inspiration from our list of the best things to do in Milan here.
In Milan for a few days?
In the city for a few days and want some help charting out an itinerary? Check out our 1 day in Milan and our 3 days in Milan itineraries for inspiration.