The most iconic landmark in Milan, the Duomo di Milano, is a centuries-old love letter to art and religion. The building's construction started at the height of the Gothic movement and through the ages, architects and artists from multiple eras have added to the building's grand and intricate design. Today, more than 5 million people cross Cathedral Square annually to gaze at the majesty of this dramatic treasure. It is the third largest cathedral in the world and should be top of your must-visit list when exploring northern Italy.
The most iconic landmark in Milan, the Duomo di Milano, is a centuries-old love letter to art and religion. The building's construction started at the height of the Gothic movement and through the ages, architects and artists from multiple eras have added to the building's grand and intricate design. Today, more than 5 million people cross Cathedral Square annually to gaze at the majesty of this dramatic treasure. It is the third largest cathedral in the world and should be top of your must-visit list when exploring northern Italy.
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The most iconic landmark in Milan, the Duomo di Milano, is a centuries-old love letter to art and religion. The building's construction started at the height of the Gothic movement and through the ages, architects and artists from multiple eras have added to the building's grand and intricate design.
Today, more than 5 million people cross Cathedral Square annually to gaze at the majesty of this dramatic treasure. It is the third largest cathedral in the world and should be top of your must-visit list when exploring northern Italy.
You will find below all you need to know about the Duomo di Milano, one of the most iconic attractions in Milan.
There are a few ticket combinations available. You can buy tickets to only access the cathedral or pay more to use the stairs or the lift, visit the Duomo museum and archeological site and the Church of San Gottardo.
An all-inclusive Duomo Pass ticket will give you access to the cathedral, archaeological area, rooftops by lift, Duomo museum, Church of San Gottardo and exhibitions.
If you don’t want to wait in line at the Cathedral’s busy lift, you can buy the full pass with a fast track option for the lift.
There are a few categories for free or discounted Duomo tickets.
Children under 5 and people with disabilities can get in for free. Free tickets also extend to military personnel, tour guides and teachers with school groups.
There are also discounted tickets for children aged 6-18 and religious and school groups. Family package tickets also offer a slight discount.
Duomo tours are the best way to get an inside look at the detailed history of this colossal structure. You can wander through the church on your own or book an audio guide but these tours are the best way to get the full Duomo experience.
Visit the Duomo with a guided tour and a group of like-minded travelers. Your guide will take you inside the church and up to the rooftop to give you the inside scoop on all the must-see parts of the building.
Follow an expert guide into the belly of the cathedral to marvel at the archeological excavations and tombs below the modern-day building.
Take a private Duomo tour to avoid a group setting. Your guide will be at your disposal to answer all your burning questions and move at a pace that is comfortable for you.
A few of the top attractions in Milan are within walking distance of each other, allowing you to check off a few items from your Italian bucket list all in one day with these combo options.
There is a ticket office at the cathedral but it is best to buy in advance to secure your Duomo visit. You will book tickets for specific time slots and they can only sell a limited amount at the door for the slots that have not been booked.
The inside of the Duomo is every bit as marvelous s the intricate exterior. You will see statues that were erected before the discovery of America and the eerie depiction of St. Bartholomew’s flayed body.
The cathedral also has 55 mammoth stained glass windows depicting scenes from the bible in vibrant glass hues. Look out for small details inside the Duomo like the zodiac line on the floor that is illuminated at midday as sunlight streams in through a tiny hole in the roof.
Above the apse, at the central nave, there is a unique Christian artifact. A nail believed to be from the crucifixion of Christ is suspended in a special casing and brought down once a year for a special ceremony.
The rooftop of the church is undoubtedly the main attraction of the Duomo. It is the only cathedral rooftop in the world that is fully open to the public and from here you can enjoy the most spectacular views of Milan from all angles.
The Duomo is centrally located and nearly impossible to miss. It sits on the Piazza del Duomo and is well connected on tram and train lines.
The red and yellow underground lines go to the Duomo metro station and you can get off at the Via Fontana, Via Torino or Via Mazzini tram stop and walk from there.
The sunset hours on the Duomo rooftop are the most popular. If you want to avoid crowds your should book the earliest slots but the dusky facade of the church and the Milan skyline at sunset is a magical experience.