Duomo di Milano Entrances

During its construction in 1582, Duomo di Milano was adorned with 5 doorways. While the 5 bronze doors are famous for their details, storyline, and artistry, they are not functional entrances now. 

Today, to visit Milan Cathedral there are three different entrances, different from the initial five doors. Each of these entrances serves different purposes. Hence, in this article, we will break down all the entrances to Duomo di Milano. Stay until the end as we will also discuss the entrances to the crypt, Duomo Museum, and more for a complete trip. 

How Many Entrances Does the Milan Cathedral Have?

The Milan Cathedral initially had five entrances. However, to control crowds and preserve the ancient architecture, changes were made.

The Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) has 3 main entrances:

• Main Door Entrance – There are two entrances on the sides of the Main Door which is recognizable due to its intricately carved bronze door. This is the primary entrance for all tourists who wish to visit the cathedral. 
• Side door Entrance – The side door is open for religious visitors who wish to attend a prayer or mass in the cathedral. 
• Elevator Entrance – This is a dedicated entrance to visit the rooftop. Based on your ticket, you can either access the north or south elevator entrance. 

Duomo di Milano Main Door Entrance

The main entrance of the Duomo di Milano is on the west side of the building, facing the Piazza del Duomo. When walking to the cathedral, you can easily spot the big bronze door. The main entrances are located on either side of this door. While the center door was historically used as the entrance, it is now closed to preserve the door and reduce any damage. 

If you have purchased your Duomo di Milano tickets or have opted for the skip the line tickets, head to the door on the right. Visitors who havent booked their tickets in advance need to purchase their tickets from the counter located next to left door. Once your tickets are secured, you can join the left door queue to enter the cathedral.

The cathedral’s main entrance is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the last entry being at 6:10 p.m. and they remain closed on 25 December and 1 January. 

The waiting lines at the right side door range from 5 to 10 minutes depending on the crowd. If you have a skip-the-line ticket, you get immediate entry through this door. On the other hand, the left side entrance has waiting times of 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on the season you visit. Hence, to reduce your waiting time, you can book your tickets online and enter via the right door. 

Visitors with a disability can head to either door as they are equipped with ramps. 

You can reach this entrance by taking the Metro Line M3 (yellow line) or M1 (red line) to the Central Station. From there, Piazza del Duomo is a minute on foot. You can easily spot the doors when you walk from the Piazza. In addition, signs are available everywhere from the metro station to reach this entrance. 

Suitable ticket: Skip the line entry ticket, cathedral-only ticket, guided tour

Duomo di Milano Side Door Entrance

There are two doors located on the northwest and southwest sides of the cathedral. They are located on the Martini/Arcivescovado side and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II side. These doors are slightly more hidden, but one can easily discover them by walking around the cathedral or by following signs that direct one to the alternative entrance points. 

These doors were designed for the worshippers attending their daily masses and feast days within the cathedral. Guests who are visiting the cathedral for religious purposes do not need a ticket and can enter for free through the side doors. The side doors are designated to facilitate easy and crowd-free entry. 

The Martini side door is open from 7 am to 8.30 am and the entrance to the Galleria Emmanuelle II is open from 8 am to 7 pm. This door is open only during the mass timings. If you plan to visit the cathedral for prayer, check out the mass timings before you visit. Guests with mobility issues can also use these doors. 

The waiting time at these doors ranges from 5 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the time of visit. During special days like Christmas, New Year, Easter, etc, the waiting time is long. Also, it is on a first-come-first-serve basis with limited entry.

To reach these entrances, you can take the Metro line M3 or M1 to reach the Piazza del Duomo and walk to the sides of the cathedral. Alternatively, if you are visiting from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Martini/Arcivescovado, the road will lead up to the side doors directly. 

Milan Cathedral Elevator Entrance

Similar to other entrances of Duomo di Milano, there are two elevator doors on the northeastern and southeastern sides of the cathedral. It is located further east from the stairs and the side entrances. These entrances are exclusive for rooftop visitors. 

Among the two elevator entrances, the one on the south is the fast-track elevator entrance and the north entrance is for a regular elevator. Based on your ticket, you can take the suitable entrance. If you have booked your rooftop tickets online, they offer skip-the-line access, hence, you can take the south side elevator entrance. 

The waiting time at the north elevator entrance ranges from 30 to 45 minutes based on the time you visit. The crowds are heavy during holidays and peak tourist months. On the other hand, the south side elevator entrance offers immediate access. During the peak tourist season, there is a maximum waiting time of 10 to 15 minutes. 

The Duomo elevator entrances are open from 9 a.m. to 6.10 p.m. During the summer months of June to September, the entrance is open until 8.10 p.m.

To reach this entrance, you can take a metro to the Piazza del Duomo and walk towards the east. Towards the end of the cathedral, you will notice the elevator entrance. You can find signboards throughout the route. The elevator is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can easily reach the stunning views of Milan without having to climb the stairs.

Suitable ticket: Rooftop exclusive entry ticket, Duomo and Rooftop entry ticket, Rooftop guided tour 

Duomo di Milano Crypt Entrance

This entrance is located inside the main cathedral and provides special access to the archaeological site underneath the cathedral. Here, you can explore the ancient relics and the grave site of St. Charles Borromeo. 

You need a separate entry ticket to enter the crypt and the archaeological area. The crypt is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The waiting time at the entrance is 10 to 15 minutes during peak tourist months. 

To find the crypt entrance, walk toward the altar from the main entrance; you will see signs leading you to the crypt, which is beneath the cathedral. Please note that you need to climb down stairs to access this entrance, so assistance will be required for visitors with mobility challenges. 

Suitable tickets: Duomo di Milano full complex tour

Duomo Museum Entrance

Often considered the extension of the cathedral itself, the Duomo Museum is not actually located inside the cathedral. The Duomo Museum is located on the ground floor of the Royal Palace near the cathedral. The museum is spread over 26 rooms and divided into 14 thematic areas according to the chronological order of the construction phases of the cathedral.  

The Duomo Museum entrance is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except on Wednesdays. The last admission is at 5.50 p.m. and the museum is cleared starting at 6.30 p.m. The wait time at the museum’s entrance is, on average, about 15 minutes, as a majority of the visitors prefer to explore the cathedral directly. 

To reach the museum, exit the main doors of the cathedral and turn left towards the south. Signs can be found leading to the royal palace and the museum entrance, which is separate from the cathedral. If you are walking through the Piazza del Duomo, then it’s located on the right of the Milan Cathedral.

Suitable ticket: Cathedral and Museum entry ticket, Cathedral, rooftop and museum admission ticket, and guided tour

Which entrance should I choose to visit the Duomo di Milano?

Choosing the perfect entrance for you depends on the ticket that you have purchased and the type of experience you want. 

• The Main door entrance is the perfect entry point for general admission ticket holders or those who have skip-the-line passes. This entrance has ramps as well and is thus wheelchair friendly.  
• Take the elevator entrance if you want to enjoy the breathtaking views. The elevator is available to those who may not be able to use the stairs.
• For a more profound historical experience, enter the crypt, as this takes you directly into the ancient foundations of the cathedral. This requires a separate ticket. 
• The museum, which is within walking distance from the cathedral, is the best entrance for museum-goers. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

Disabled Access

Duomo di Milano is an example of a monument designed to host all visitors, including those with disabilities. Different accessible features are included in planning to make the trip easy and convenient for everyone. 

Visitors with mobility access issues find it very convenient to enter through their specially dedicated ramps & pathways available at all the entrances (except the crypt). Handrails are provided along the ramps, and the ramps are sloped gently to provide comfort while using them. 

The best option for direct access to rooftop terraces is the Elevator Entrance. For additional personal needs or special requirements, it is advisable to check at the time of the first visit with the ticket office. They may guide you and make your tour hassle-free.

FAQs About Duomo di Milano Entrances