Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Tips for visiting the Duomo & Milan Cathedral tickets

Milan Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Milano, is by far the most visited attraction in Milan Italy. Tickets, tours and tips for visiting the cathedral's roof.

Visit the Milan Cathedral

In the center of the city and on the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) you will find the impressive Duomo di Milano, the cathedral of Milan. The construction of this Milan Cathedral started in the fourteenth century and the church was not completed until the middle of the twentieth century. All the details you see on the outside of the church, such as the baroque-style turrets and façade, have been added over the years. Each century of construction brought new designers, and after the Duomo was completed in 1950, restoration of earlier architectural elements began again. It is interesting to see the growth of such a distinctive presence in Milan and see the architectural details from a certain period.

^{Huge queues at the Dom}

^{Beautiful details on the outside of the Duomo}

The exterior of the Duomo di Milano

The Milan Duomo is one of the largest cathedrals in europe (the largest being St. Peter's Basilica in Rome) measuring almost 12,000 square meters. As soon as you get close to the Duomo, you will notice how light the building actually is. This is due to the use of white marble. What you will probably notice first are the many pointed turrets (also called pinnacles) and the more than 2,000 statues. As an architecture enthusiast, you don't have to take binoculars with you for a closer look this time, because you can take the stairs or elevator to the roof terrace to carefully observe every small detail. When you get up to the roof, you will not only learn more about the Milan cathedral itself, but you will also enjoy the amazing view. Rain or sunshine, this remains a special visit during your holiday.

^{The interior is more modest than the outside}

^{Colorful stained glass behind the altar}

What to see in the Milan cathedral

Once you've seen enough of the Duomo's exterior, it's time to enter through the imposing bronze doors. Although the exterior feels lighter than the interior in terms of color and material use, it is striking that this cathedral is not as dark inside as many other church buildings. Take the time to really appreciate the world's largest Gothic pointed arch windows. When the sunlight shines through the stained-glass windows, a beautiful display of colors is created. And don't walk too quickly past the paintings, the mosaic on the floor, the graves and funerary monuments. In fact, you need more time or several visits to the Milan cathedral to really appreciate all the splendor.

^{The roof terrace of the cathedral}

^{View over Milan from the rooftop}

Tip for your visit to the Duomo di Milano

It may be interesting to visit the Duomo museum before you go to the Duomo itself. This museum of the Duomo is located in the Royal Palace, which is also located in Piazza del Duomo. The museum takes you through the different periods in which the cathedral was created. You will see statues, stained glass windows, paintings, scale models and other unique decorations up close. You will see the work of well-known, but also unknown artists and especially learn about the slowness in the process of the creation of the Cathedral of Milan. The final result, which has been achieved through everyone's effort and with the smallest details, can be seen when you visit the cathedral - after your tour of the museum - recognize much better

Tickets Duomo di Milano rooftop

Video: Impression of the Duomo

Where is Milan Cathedral located?