Duomo di Milano FAQs (Answers to all your question related to Milan Cathedral)

Yes, without a doubt, the Duomo di Milano is a must-visit site in Milan, Italy. It is a Gothic masterpiece and a symbol of Milan. With richly detailed interiors and an amazing rooftop view, be ready to be enchanted by its history, artistry, and grandeur.

The Duomo di Milano is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily with the last entry being at 6:10 p.m.

The best time to visit the Duomo is as soon as it opens at 9 a.m. Arriving at this hour you will be able to explore the area with very few crowds as compared to the afternoon peak hours. 

It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to explore the Duomo di Milan in a relaxed and detailed manner, including the roof, the main cathedral, the crypt, and the museum. 

You can reach the Duomo di Milan from the metro, using M1 (red line) and M3 (yellow line). You can also travel by tram, line 1, 2, 15 and 16 or by bus numbers 57, 60 and 73. 

Yes, it is a non-negotiable that you dress up modestly as the Duomo di Milano is primarily a place to worship. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times and you must remove your headgear before entering the site. There are no specific dress code guidelines for the footwear, however, wearing a closed-toe footwear is encouraged. Make sure you choose comfortable footwear as exploring Duomo requires a lot of walking so you don’t end up regretting your decision in the middle of your tour. 

Yes, you can enjoy guided tours to explore the cathedral, rooftop, and museum as per your preference. There are many guided tour options available based on the tour duration and areas included. With a professional guide leading your tour, you will learn incredible tales that are shared regarding the history and unique architecture of this historic attraction.

Duomo di Milano is open on all holidays except 1 January and 25 December. It is open for all other days unless there are some specific festivities planned. We suggest you check the schedule on the official website of the attraction in advance for your dates. 

You can enter the Duomo during the mass, but exploring the area and clicking photographs is strictly prohibited during this time of prayer. 

Yes, an entrance is allocated for tourist entries to the Duomo di Milano. The tourists should enter from the main entrance on the left side of the cathedral. 

Yes, you can take pictures inside the Duomo di Milano, although, no flash photography and tripods are allowed. Maintain the sanctity of the cathedral and be mindful of other tourists also.

No, there are no age restrictions for climbing up to the rooftop of the Duomo di Milano. However, please note that exploring rooftops requires climbing staircases that might not be very comfortable for young children and elderly visitors. 

Yes, there are many restaurants near the Duomo. The area around is filled with cozy cafes and delicious pizzerias. There are also fine dining options available all with stunning views of the Duomo di Milan. 

Yes, Duomo di Milano has wheelchair access and it is well-equipped with ramps. Elevators are also available with friendly and helpful staff. 

Yes, a baby stroller is allowed in the Duomo di Milano. It is easy to navigate through the main cathedral, but walking through the rooftop will be challenging as the pathways and stairs are narrow and steep. 

Yes, you can visit the beautiful rooftop of the Duomo di Milano. It is one of the main highlights of the Cathedral. It presents beautiful sights of Milan and closer views of the intricate spires and statues that make this Gothic marvel outstanding.

You can reach the rooftop of Duomo di Milano via the stairs or the elevator. For adventurers, you may opt for stair climbs, while elevators are for those who want a much faster way up or for those with mobility issues. Please note that you need a specific ticket to get access to the rooftop, as it’s not included in the general admission ticket for the cathedral. 

At the rooftop of the Duomo di Milano, you will be amazed by the stunning panoramic view of Milan’s skyline. You will get a closer look at the intricate sculptures and spires. Attractions such as the Torre Velasca and the modern towers of the city are in plain view from here and on certain clear days, the Alps are visible from these rooftops. 

If you take the stairs to get to the rooftop of Duomo di Milano, expect to climb roughly 250 steps. It works you out, but it is worth it when you finally reach the top and see the gorgeous view from there.

Yes, there is an elevator that can take you to the top in a very convenient way. It could be used by those who would prefer to not use the stairs or those with mobility-related concerns.

You can only get access to the crypt via guided tours. The quiet yet historic view here is meant for visiting the tomb of St. Charles Borromeo, a brilliant piece of the cathedral’s sacred past.

The Duomo Museum is located just opposite to the cathedral. It consists of an extensive collection of statues, tapestries, and objects related to the history of the cathedral. 

The stained-glass windows at Duomo di Milano depict scenes from the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments, offering a visual narration of significant biblical stories.

Such windows are made by skilled artisans over generations, and illuminate the cathedral in colorful lights. These are considered symbolisms of craftsmanship and art from the Gothic days, inspiring awe and reverence.

Yes, you can explore the Duomo at night only until its closing time at 7 p.m. However, after the closing time, you can explore the Piazza del Duomo and witness the iconic cathedral lit up and glowing beautifully against the night. Visit the Duomo at night is a very different and amazing experience. 

The best views from the Duomo di Milan are from its rooftops. You can see the stunning skyline of the city and the beautiful sky as well. You also get an opportunity to observe the spires and statues up close from the rooftop. 

Yes, there are a few restrictions for when you go to visit the rooftop of the Duomo di Milano. Large bags are not allowed and we suggest you to travel light. Eating, drinking, and smoking at the rooftop is banned. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear, so that you can walk over uneven surfaces comfortably. 

Yes, the rooftop remains open in the winter so that you can have that magical experience. It will be cold, take a jacket or a shawl with you, but the views of Milan and the Alps dusted with snow are well worth it! 

The Duomo di Milano was commissioned in 1386 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan. Designed by multiple architects, including Simone da Orsenigo and later international contributors, it blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. Construction spanned nearly six centuries, officially completed in 1965. The cathedral is a monumental symbol of Milan, showcasing devotion, artistry, and perseverance.

Many designers have contributed to the building of the Duomo. It was started by the French architect Nicolas de Bonaventure followed by Italians like Simone da Orsenigo. Other contributions forged this Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece of collective creativity. 

It took about six full centuries to finish the Duomo. This beautiful piece of architecture began to rise in 1386 and declared the end of its construction only in 1965. This time duration indicates how complicated and different it was to design every structure of the Duomo. 

The Duomo is undoubtedly the most magnificent Gothic architecture. With its pointed arches, detailed carvings, and lofty spurs, there’s an awe-inspiring aura around it. The Renaissance and Baroque touches complete its beauty. 

The golden Madonnina statue was added to the church in 1774 to portray the Virgin Mary, who is the city’s patron saint. It is completely covered with gold leaf; the golden Madonnina is both a religious as well as a symbolic icon for the cities and protects it from its position on the highest spire of the city. 

The number of spires on the Duomo is 135 and each has a display of a statue of a saint or an angel. The spires make the silhouette of a cathedral unforgettable.

The cathedral is a unique piece of architecture built from precious pink Candoglia marble, which was transported from the quarries around Lake Maggiore. This gives durability and beauty to the Duomo, making it the icon as we know it. 

Within the Duomo di Milan, you will find beautiful stained-glass windows, fascinating sculptures, and the stunning bronze candelabrum. In the crypt is kept the tomb of St. Charles Borromeo, and the rooftop offers the stunning sight of Milan’s skyline and even the Alps!

Yes, the Duomo di Milano is the largest church in Italy. While St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is the largest church in the world, Vatican City is an independent city-state, which means the Duomo di Milano holds the title of the largest church within Italy’s borders.

In the crypt of the Duomo lies St. Charles Borromeo, one of the great saints of the Counter-Reformation. His crystal sarcophagus is a prominent pilgrimage site for all Christians.