The Duomo di Milano, is Italy’s largest church and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. With over 3,000 statues across its cathedral, rooftop, and baptistry, the Milan Duomo is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This beloved symbol towers over Piazza del Duomo, and from its rooftop, you can enjoy views that stretch all the way to the Italian Alps.
Duomo Milan in a nutshell
Opening Hours
9am to 7pm, everyday (last admission is at 6pm)
Address
P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Get there
Why visit Duomo Milan
- The Duomo Milan is not only the largest church in Italy but also the fifth largest in the world, with space for up to 40,000 people.
- Its construction spanned over nine generations, involving master architects like Zeno da Campione, Pellegrino Pellegrini, Leopoldo Pollak, Simone da Orsenigo, and Luca Beltrami.
- Because the cathedral took several centuries to complete, you can admire a mix of architectural styles, including Romanticism, Gothic, Gothic Revival, and even a style called "Perpendicular with Flamboyant." (yes, that’s an actual description of the style!)
- The large collection of statues and artworks all over the sight, as well as the museum.
- Believed to have been one of the nails from the Crucifixion of Christ, this nail is visible on the dome.
Duomo Milan: Recommended tickets
Depending on the kind of experience you seek and time in hand, you can choose from a variety of Duomo Milan tickets.
Duomo Milan history
Construction of the Duomo di Milano began in 1386, marking an extraordinary project of faith and art that would span six centuries. At the time, Milan was a thriving center for agriculture and manufacturing, as well as a key meeting point between Italy and northern Europe. Some archaeologists believe the site of the Duomo held spiritual significance long before Christianity, possibly serving as a sacred place of pilgrimage.
The cathedral was built on the foundations of two ancient basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Tecla, whose remains are located near the Baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti. The construction of the Duomo was initiated to celebrate Milan’s new ruler, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who envisioned it as a symbol of divine power and grandeur during the early Renaissance.
Inspired by Gothic architecture, the design was a reflection of Milan's growing connection with Rome after the war. Due to the immense scope of the project, architects, artists, and specialists from across Europe offered their expertise. Over the centuries, 78 chief architects and countless artisans and sculptors have contributed to this iconic structure.
Duomo Milan architecture
The Duomo di Milano, Italy's largest church and the crown jewel of the city, was designed at the height of Gothic architecture. A visit to Milan isn't complete without seeing this magnificent cathedral, known for its impressive collection of statues that adorn the exterior, rooftop, and Baptistery. The Duomo's architectural beauty is highlighted by its French Gothic eastern apse, intricate pinnacles, flying buttresses, traceried windows, and octagonal Renaissance cupolas. Over the centuries, it has incorporated elements such as 17th-century doorways, an 18th-century spire, and Neo-Classical façades, showcasing a blend of artistic styles including Romanticism, Gothic Revival, and Gothic Flamboyant.
With a ticket to the Duomo, visitors can experience breathtaking views of Milan from the rooftop, which features spires, gargoyles, and marble statues. Originally planned to be built using terracotta stone, the architects instead chose Candoglia marble from Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, giving the cathedral its distinctive pink hue. Inside, the grand altar is surrounded by five aisles, and the vast space can accommodate up to 40,000 people. The large stone pillars dominating the nave are accompanied by 3,159 statues, including 2,245 on the exterior.
The cathedral's five doors are intricately designed, with the central door being the largest, depicting scenes from the life of Mary. One of the most notable sculptures inside is the statue of St. Bartholomew Flayed Alive, famous for its striking details. Don’t miss the bell tower, a standout feature, and the artwork inside the Church of St. Gottardo, including pieces by Puccio Capanna and Stefano.
Duomo Milan tickets - Which one should you buy?
The Milan Cathedral is a favourite among tourists and locals alike, as it IS the perfect way to end a day with a beautiful sunset and some adventure. Hence, long waiting lines are natural. Here are the top rated Duomo Milano tickets you can buy, so you can save time and dime:
Types of tickets you can get for Duamo Milan:
- Guided tours: The best way to learn about this magestic landmark's history, architecture, and significance is through a tour guide. With these tickets, discover unique facts about the Duomo with your expert local guide.
- Standard museum and rooftop tickets: Choose your ticket type easily. You can book standard tickets that offer entry into the cathedral, or get priority access to the rooftop and enjoy the spectacular views of the city.
- Fast track tickets with elevator access: Gain fast-track access to with an all-inclusive, flexible pass. Explore the cathedral's stunning interior, and enjoy convenient elevator access to the rooftop!
- Standard tickets with museum access: Take your time exploring the intricate beauty of the Milan Duomo, where you can admire its statues, marble figures, and elaborate stone carvings up close. The rooftop will not be accessible through this ticket.
Milan Pass - Can I use it at Duomo Milan?
With the Milan Pass, you can explore the city, travel with ease, and enjoy all the fun Milan has to offer! Purchase your pass online and exchange it for a physical pass at the Milan Visitor Center. The Milan Pass gives you free access to ten of the city’s most popular attractions and includes seven exciting tour experiences. Plus, it comes with free public transportation and a hop-on hop-off bus tour. With a validity of 200 days, you can plan your visit in advance and make the most of your time in Milan, including the iconic Duomo Milan.
The Milan Pass saves you both time and money by offering free admission to top attractions like the Duomo terraces, the museum, and La Scala Museum, all under a single ticket. You’ll have the chance to visit Milan’s stunning Duomo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that showcases the city's rich cultural heritage. Admire the intricate details, stained-glass windows, and beautiful ornaments of the cathedral, and explore the museum, terraces, and rooftop views. The Milano Card, included with the pass, offers free tours such as a visit to AC Milan and an audio guide to the city—benefits that would be much more costly if purchased separately.
Top things to do at Duomo Milan
1Admire the view from the Duomo Milan Rooftop
In most cities and churches, visiting the main cathedral is the highlight, but at the Duomo di Milano, the cathedral is just the beginning. If you’re visiting the Duomo, you absolutely have to see the Duomo Rooftop. Yes, there’s incredible statues inside the cathedral, stunning tombs and sarcophagi, and even a nail from the crucifiction cross. But these sights stand pale compared to what resides upstairs.
2Gawk over the museum
Hosting a large collection of historical and artistic treasures over its 26 exhibition rooms, the Duomo Museum is a noteworthy museum. A visit here is diving deep into the history of the cathedral and Milan itself. 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 even see some ancient antiquities such as the ‘ivory diptychs’ from the 5th century and works of Ariberto d’Intiminao from the 11th century. The biggest highlight of the collection is the Veneranda Fabbrica, which chronologically illustrates the construction stages of the Cathedral from 1386 to the current day.
3The Statue of Saint Bartholomew Flayed Alive
One of the best artworks in all of Milan, the Statue of Saint Bartholomew Flayed Alive by Marco d’Agrate is a sight you cannot miss. 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. The statue, seems to capture this perfectly!
4Madonnina
Towering 356ft in the sky, the Madonnina Spire also called ‘lantern spire’ is the centerpiece of Milan. The city’s most notable sight, is a golden statue of 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.
5The door of the cathedral
Carved in 1906 by Lodovico Pogliaghi, the central door is themed around stories from the life of Mary and is decorated with floral Gothic reliefs. Descent from the Cross, the Crucifixion, the Nativity of Jesus, the Visitation, Christ carrying the Cross and the Flagellation of Christ, Jesus taking his farewell of his Mother, the Annunciation, the Marriage of the Virgin and the Nativity of the Virgin Mary are depicted in the bas relieves from left to right and from top to bottom.
6The Church of St. Gottardo
Located within walking distance from Piazza Duomo, the Church of San Gottardo has been active since 1336. Featuring a combination of Lombard Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical style, the church and its bell tower are very quaint and charming. The church also has notable artworks and frescoes including the works of Puccio Capanna or Stefano, one of Giotto’s pupils.
7Duomo Archaeological Complex
The Duomo Archaeological Complex is home to several antique churches and sites which hark back to early Christianity in Milan. The prominent sites within the Duomo complex include the ancient centre of Christian religion, Basilica Vetus and the Baptistery of Santo Stefano alle fonti, Basilica di Santa Tecla, Baptistery of San Giovanni alle fonti and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Duomo Milan opening hours
The Duomo Milan cathedral, Archaeological Area, and the Duomo rooftops are open daily from 9am to 7pm, while the Duomo Museum remains closed on Mondays.
Best time to visit Duomo Milan
While there is no perfect time to visit Duomo Milano - it's an established fact that the views are best during sunset. Ideally, it’s also the perfect time to bump into a plethora of people. If you're someone who loves beating the crowd, sometime early afternoon, or late evening should be the best time to visit.
Timings you should know before you visit the Cathedral:
- Milan Cathedral is open daily from 9am to 7pm. Last admission at 6pm.
- Milan Cathedral terraces are open daily from 9am to 7pm. Last admission is an hour before closing 6pm.
- Santa Maria Annunciata in Camposanto Church is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 1:15pm to 2pm.
- Duomo Museum and San Gottardo Church is open from 10am to 6pm on all days except Wednesdays. Last admission at 5pm.
- St.Stefano Baptistery is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Entrance through north elevator.
- The archaeological area is open daily from 9am to 7pm. Last admission at 6pm.
- The Crypt of Saint Charles is open from Monday to Friday from 11am to 5:30pm, on Saturdays between 11am to 5pm and on Sundays between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Duomo Milan - Getting there
By Train
The Duomo Complex is well connected 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
Milan Duomo can be reached via the following trams.
- 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
- In Tram 16, Tram 24 and Tram 27, you can get-off at the Via Mazzini Stop
Duomo Milan map
Things to know before you visit Duomo Milan
1. Since the Cathedral is well, a Cathedral and a religious attraction - there obviously is a dress code. Modest clothing is a compulsion. 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.
2. If you wish to visit the Museo del Duomo - you should be aware that the Museo is not located within the Duomo. It is in fact only a 2-minute walk away in a building facing the Duomo, right next to the Palazzo Reale.
3. Like the Museo, the Church of St. Gottardo is a 5-minute walk away, in Corte.
Insider tips to Duomo Milan
1. Buying online tickets in advance: Arguably the best way to save time during your Duomo visit, is by booking your tickets online well in advance. We recommend booking your tickets at least 2 days prior as tickets will be available for this duration. The biggest advantage of buying your tickets prior is that this will allow you to skip the long queue lines at the monument, by allowing you access to a special fast-moving queue. This is a must-have!
2. Go on a guided tour: If you’re looking for an immersive experience at the Duomo di Milano, then a guided tour is the way to go. Not only will your guide provide narration about the landmark monument and its exhibits, but he/she will assist you in entering the Duomo. With these tickets you really don’t have to worry about long queues, or missing out on any of the important works which is very easy to do without a guide. Peace of mind is guaranteed!
3. Choose the right time: Milan Cathedral is open nearly all days of the year, apart from some religious holidays. However, depending on the season, there are different times of the day you’d want to explore the site. During spring and fall ie, April - October, early morning/early evenings are the best time with the least footfall. During 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.
Things to do around Duomo Milan
Sforzesco Castle
Located around 8 minutes away from Duomo di Milano, the Sforza Castle was built in the second half of the 14th century by the Visconti family. In the castle you can admire the Rondanini Pietà Museum, one of Michelangelo's last works, as well as the Sala delle Asse.
Distance from Duomo di Milano:
1 km
Pinacoteca di Brera
Located in the centre of old Rome, the Pinacoteca di Brera is known for its magnificent collection of ancient and modern Italian art. Its religious-themed collection begins in the 14th century and extends into the 16th century. The Pinacoteca di Brera is just 6 minutes away from the church.
Distance from Duomo di Milano: 1 km
Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square Historic District, which is located in the center of Sacramento's historic central business district, is at the heart of the original 1848 street grid. The square is 1 minute away from the Duomo di Milano.The Cathedral Square, completed in 1889, anchors the district both visually and symbolically.
Distance from Duomo di Milano: 10 m
Indro Montanelli Garden
Located near the northwest section of town, Indro Montanelli Garden is one of the largest city parks in the world. It is slightly smaller than Parco Sempione, but it makes the most of its refreshing and charming historical atmosphere.
Distance from Duomo di Milano:
1 km
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a powerful symbol of the Renaissance. It is a symbol of the basilica and shrine of the Dominican Order, in the parish of San Vittore al Corpo. Its breathtaking architecture and Leonardo's artwork preserve the creations of the Italian master.
Distance from Duomo di Milano: 3 Kms
Restaurants near Duomo Milan
With good views, good food is primary. Here are the restaurants where you can find the best meals to unwind with after an adventurous day at the Cathedral:
After you've spent all of your time admiring the beauty that is the Duomo Milano, a food break is a must! We don't make the rules 😛
If you're the kind who loves gorging on fast food and everything nice in this world, Cesarino is the place to be! With sparkling reviews all around, you know you're in for a good time at this restaurant.
Did you really have a good time in Milan if you didn't end up having the best pizza in town? We think not! Head to Ristorante Galleria for an absolutely mind-blowing meal of all things Italian, Mediterranean and European cuisine. You know what it's perfect for? BRUNCH!
Often dubbed as the 'best place in town' this cafe/bar is exactly what you need to let go of your worries and relax after a long day out of sightseeing and touristy things. If you need recommendations, this restaurant comes very well-recommended for it's alcohol collection (obviously) and sandwiches! Who would've thought.
Gelato is the solution to all of life's problems. Or just life if you have no problems. Vanilla Gelati Italiani has admittedly the BEST gelato in Milan - and no matter what you do, you shouldn't be missing out on this.
What goes best with good food, you ask? Good views, of course! A place you shouldn't go to without booking in advance, Maio Restaurant has to be on your list of go-tos when in Milan.
