Welcome to the breathtaking Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, Italy’s largest church and the centrepiece of Milan. Seeing its collection of statues and sculptures close up is a must-do for visitors to Italy.
Practical details
- Name: Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
- Address: Duomo di Milano, Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
- Official website: www.duomomilano.it/en
- Opening hours: The Duomo Milan including the cathedral, the Archaeological Area, and the Duomo rooftops are accessible every day from 9 am to 7 pm, with the last entry at 6:10 pm, but the Duomo Museum is closed on Wednesdays. The Crypt of St. Charles, found inside the Cathedral, opens from 11 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays, 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, and from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm on Sundays.
Tickets and prices
To enter the Cathedral, the general admission fee for adults is approximately €6, while for children aged between 6 to 11 years old, it is around €3. Visitors can access the rooftops by stairs or lift for an estimated cost of €10-15 for adults and €5-7 for children.
By using the Fast-Track Lift, visitors can access the rooftops as well. Admission to the Museum and San Gottardo Church costs roughly €3 for adults and €1 for children. Tickets can be purchased until 6 pm. A recommended option is to acquire the Milan Cathedral combined ticket, which lasts for three days, with prices ranging from €13-28 for adults and €4-14 for children.
Dress code
When visiting, you are advised to dress modestly because it is a place of worship. Bare-backed and/or low-cut clothing, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not allowed inside the Duomo Milan. Wear comfortable shoes due to the nature of the paths and the stair-climbing involved.
Why should I visit?
The rooftops at Milan Cathedral offer 360-degree views of the city, where you can see the beauty of Florence and famous landmarks such as the Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio. Moreover, the collection of 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures gives you a taste of Italian history.
How to get to Milan Cathedral
Metro
The metro lines M1 and M3 both stop at the Duomo station, which is conveniently located at the main square and offers frequent train arrivals and departures from Milano Centrale. The station is only a 20-minute journey from the cathedral.
Tram
Take tram lines 2, 3, and 14, which stop at the Torino stop in Duomo, or tram line 24, which services the Dogana stop in Duomo.
Bus
Bus lines 57, 60, 73, and B15 will all get you within brief walking distance of the cathedral.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay close by, check out hotels near Duomo di Milano.
Background of Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano
The Duomo di Milano construction began in 1386 and took over six centuries to complete. The project required thousands of talented artists, architects, sculptors, and specialised workers, as well as a new canal system. It was supported b Bishop Antonio da Saluzzo and Milan’s ruler Gian Galeazzo Visconti.
Made of pink-hued Candoglia marble, the cathedral underwent numerous modifications and renovations over the years, with countless statues and sculptures added. It stands today as a breathtaking masterpiece, a testament to the skill and perseverance of its creators.
Who should visit?
Duomo di Milano is suitable for everyone, including families, religious believers, solo travellers, couples, architectural history, and art enthusiasts. This is because of its educational history and eye-catching designs.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Milan Cathedral, Duomo Milan for views is in the evening hours before sunset and you can bump into people from different parts of the world. If you want to beat the crowd and take your time exploring and learning the different attractions, get there sometime early in the afternoon or late evening.
Should I book in advance?
We highly recommend that you book in advance, especially during festive seasons and holidays, to ensure you and your traveling party don’t miss tickets. You can as well buy tickets upon arrival but you will wait in line for a while.
Is it accessible?
Duomo di Milano is accessible from the parvis along 2 ramps, with handrails, and an 8% maximum incline. The two entrances have a short ramp with a 21% incline and wide aisles. The washrooms are equipped with wide doors, inclined ramps, a suspended washbasin, large handles and knobs, and visible washroom signs. However, some areas cannot be accessed due to stairs.
Top tip for a first-time visitor
Remember to dress conservatively and to wear proper shoes because the terraces might be slippery. The same goes for all genders, but Bermuda shorts are allowed for men.
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Italy? Find more things to do in Milan.
Disclaimer: prices and information are correct as of 14.06.2023 and may vary with time.
