A visit to Milan Cathedral: the world's largest Gothic work of art
Milan Cathedral is the icon of Milan. The Madonnina, which sits high atop it, is visible from many points in the city. Discover how to visit it with the tours we recommend. Consecrated between 1418 and 1577, it has a style that oscillates between International Gothic, Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic.
Milan Cathedral: the tickets most chosen by travelers
Milan Cathedral: an architectural marvel
The Cathedral of Milan is built predominantly of white and pink marble from the quarries of Candoglia, in Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, and is characterised by an imposing Gothic façade that rises skywards with its tall spires and intricate statues. Begun in 1386 and completed only centuries later, it encompasses various architectural styles and techniques. Inside you can find traits of International Gothic, Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic styles.
Each element of the cathedral is a work in itself, from the delicate sculptural decorations to the bas-reliefs telling religious and allegorical stories. Considered the largest Gothic work of art in the world, the cathedral is 157 metres long and on the 108.5 metre high main spire stands the golden statue of the ‘Madonnina’, a symbol loved by all the Milanese and others.
The golden statue of the ‘Madonnina’ towering over the highest spire is perhaps the Duomo's most iconic element: more than four metres high, it is visible from almost all over the city and is a symbol of protection for the Milanese. The vast and solemn interior is dominated by imposing pillars, colourful rose windows and spectacular stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes and episodes from the history of Christianity.
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Information and opening hours of Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral: tips for your visit
Frequently asked questions about Milan Cathedral
How do I visit the Milan Cathedral?
To reach the main entrances of the Duomo di Milano, take the yellow metro line (M3) from the Central Station, get off at the Duomo stop and from there walk towards Piazza del Duomo. Opening hours: the main entrances are open daily from 09:00 to 19:00.
How long does it take to walk up to the Duomo of Milan?
It takes about 10 minutes to climb to the top of the Duomo, but obviously the duration can also vary depending on the number of people present and the time spent admiring the spires and architecture.
How much does it cost to climb the spires of the Duomo of Milan?
Walking roof: costs €10 and allows you to climb to the Duomo Terrace on foot only. Roof by lift: costs €14 and allows you to go up to the Duomo Terrace by lift only. Evening rooftop: costs €14 and allows you to go up to the Duomo Terrace by lift only after 7pm.
How long does it take from Milan Central Station to the Duomo?
The distance is 3 km. As mentioned, the best solution is to use the metro, in this case, the m3, which will take you to Piazza Duomo in 13 minutes.
What not to bring to the Duomo di Milano?
The Cathedral is a place open to the public, but it has its own rules. Inside, you cannot bring helmets, glass objects, suitcases and any other objects considered dangerous by the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo. We also suggest that you do not bring bulky bags inside the Cathedral.
How much does a metro ticket cost in Milan?
Getting around Milan by metro is very easy, at various points in the city there are stations on the purple, yellow, red and blue lines. The cost of the ticket is 2.20 euros for a normal journey. If you decide to buy a day ticket, the price is 7.60 euros.
How to get to Milan Cathedral
If your trip includes a stopover in the city of Milan for a few days, it will be easier for you to get to the Duomo. But even if you are just passing through for a day and have planned to visit the Duomo, there are many ways to get there.
By metro: In fact, thanks to the public transport network, you can reach it by metro. The nearest stop is ‘Duomo’ (M1 red line and M3 yellow line).
By tram: There are also numerous tram and bus lines that stop near the square. For example, the 16, 12, 27 and 3.
Bike rental: there are also many solutions if you want to rent a bike with bike sharing services.
Walking: The Duomo can also be reached on foot from several central areas of Milan, such as the Castello Sforzesco and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This gives you the opportunity to stroll through the streets of the historic centre, enjoying the Milanese atmosphere.
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Best attractions around Milan Cathedral
The Duomo of Milan: tickets, curiosities and how to climb the Cathedral Terraces
Have you ever taken a full tour of the Duomo di Milano? Climb up to the terraces, visit the Museum, reserve your ticket, live the experience with us!
Vedi ❯The best tours to visit Milan Cathedral
In 2023, Milan Cathedral recorded more than 3 million visitors and the numbers are also on trend for 2024. For this reason, as one of the most visited structures in Italy, it is a good idea to get organised by booking tours. The best guided tours to visit the Duomo are those that allow you to discover its secrets and history.
The classic tour includes an official guide and a visit to the main points of interest, such as the Duomo itself, the statue of San Bartolomeo, the archaeological area and the famous panoramic terrace. Tickets include ‘skip-the-line’ and last 1-2 hours on average. Costs start at around €35 per person.
Alternatively, there are Private Tours : Available for small groups (up to 10 people) or larger groups, these private tours allow you to customise the route and can also include the Duomo Museum and other restricted areas. Costs vary, starting at around €200 per small group and include priority entry.
The Duomo Pass is for those who want to explore the entire complex, this pass includes access to the cathedral, the terraces (both by lift and on foot), the archaeological area and the Duomo Museum. Prices for the full pass range from €20 to €30, valid for 72 hours, ideal for those who prefer to explore on their own.
Educational Tours for Schools and Universities: These customised programmes, offered by the Education Office of the Veneranda Fabbrica, are designed for schools and universities, with in-depth historical and technical information. The activities are aimed at students of all ages and can be booked by contacting the Education Office directly.
Augmented and Virtual Reality Tours: through digital experiences, visitors can discover architectural and artistic details of the cathedral in an interactive way. These multimedia activities are ideal for those seeking an immersive experience beyond the traditional tour.
Guided Terrace Tour: Allows you to explore the details of the Gothic structure of the spires and statues, with spectacular views.
For those who prefer to carve out some time at the end of the day, however, there is the evening tour of the Duomo and the Piazza del Duomo: this offers the chance to visit the Duomo's surroundings and appreciate its beauty under the suggestive night lighting.
Curiosities about Milan Cathedral
Like any self-respecting monument, there are some curiosities to know about the Duomo of Milan.
First of all: the duration of the works. It was a construction site that lasted 600 years! The construction of the Duomo lasted more than six centuries, and restoration and maintenance work is still going on today.
The second concerns the ‘Madonnina’, the shining symbol that dominates the city, and the height of the Duomo. By tradition, no building in Milan must exceed the height of the Madonnina statue. This respect has been maintained, so much so that even the modern UniCredit tower, the tallest in Milan, has a copy of the Madonnina on its top. And then, such brilliance was a problem during the Second World War. In fact, the Milanese decided to cover it with rags so as not to give reference points to the bombers.
Then there are the mysterious carved symbols. In fact, the Duomo is adorned with thousands of curious sculptures and symbols, including a statue of a boxer with boxing gloves. The wealth of detail arouses great fascination and amazement. Have fun discovering as many as you can and share them with friends and family.
Visiting Milan Cathedral is an enriching and astonishing experience, an encounter with history, art and the soul of the city. Every corner of the cathedral tells a story, every terrace opens onto a new panorama. A masterpiece that never ceases to enchant.