Discover the breathtaking beauty of Milan's Duomo, Italy's most spectacular Gothic cathedral. Experience intricate spires, stunning stained glass, and centuries of architectural mastery in the heart of Milan.
Explore the magnificent Gothic interior and ascend to the famous rooftop terraces for breathtaking views of Milan's skyline. Marvel at the intricate spires and flying buttresses up close.
Discover the rich history of Milan Cathedral through its extensive museum and treasury. View precious artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and learn about 600 years of construction history.
Enjoy an exclusive guided tour with an expert art historian. Explore hidden details of Gothic and Renaissance elements, skip the lines, and gain deep insights into this architectural masterpiece.
Milan Cathedral stands as one of the world's most magnificent Gothic cathedrals, a breathtaking architectural triumph that took nearly six centuries to complete. Rising 108 meters into the sky, this iconic symbol of Milan showcases intricate spires, flying buttresses, and stunning stained glass windows.
Construction began in 1386 under the Visconti family, with the cathedral dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary. The Duomo features 135 spires adorned with over 3,400 statues, creating a forest of stone that captures the imagination. Its capacity of 40,000 makes it one of the largest churches in the world.
From the magnificent Gothic facade to the famous rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of Milan and the Alps, the Duomo represents the pinnacle of late Gothic architecture. The cathedral houses priceless treasures, including works by Renaissance masters and the largest stained glass windows in Christendom.
Discover History
Experience the pinnacle of Gothic cathedral design with 135 spires, intricate stone carvings, and soaring buttresses. The Duomo represents six centuries of artistic dedication and architectural innovation.
Discover priceless art collections, stunning stained glass windows, and Renaissance masterpieces. From ancient relics to contemporary installations, the cathedral houses centuries of sacred art and cultural heritage.
From guided architectural tours to peaceful contemplation, the Duomo offers something for every visitor. Whether you're interested in history, art, or spiritual reflection, find your perfect cathedral experience.
Capture stunning architectural details, dramatic lighting through stained glass, and panoramic city views from the rooftop. Every angle offers unique photographic opportunities from Gothic stonework to modern Milan skyline.
1386 - Foundation Laid: Construction begins under Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo and Lord Gian Galeazzo Visconti, with the ambitious vision to create one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals in honor of the Nativity of Saint Mary.
14th-15th Century - Gothic Rise: Master architects from across Europe contribute to the design, establishing the distinctive Gothic style with flying buttresses, pointed arches, and soaring spires that define the cathedral's silhouette.
1572 - Borromeo Era: Saint Charles Borromeo oversees significant developments and establishes many of the religious traditions that continue today, elevating the cathedral's spiritual importance.
1813 - Napoleonic Completion: Napoleon orders the facade's completion for his coronation as King of Italy, though construction continues for centuries with the final details added as late as 1965.
Present Day - Living Heritage: The cathedral continues to serve as Milan's spiritual heart while welcoming millions of visitors who come to marvel at its architectural splendor and rich artistic treasures.
Explore cathedral highlights
The cathedral's breathtaking western facade showcases intricate Gothic architecture with elaborate stonework, countless sculptures, and magnificent rose windows. This masterpiece took over 400 years to complete and represents the pinnacle of late Gothic design in Northern Italy.
Ascend to the famous rooftop terraces via elevator or stairs to walk among the 135 spires and over 3,400 statues. Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Milan and, on clear days, the snow-capped Alps beyond the city skyline.
Marvel at the soaring Gothic interior with its massive columns, ribbed vaults, and the largest stained glass windows in Christendom. The nave can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest church interiors in the world.
Discover the cathedral's rich heritage through its extensive museum and treasury housing precious artifacts, ancient manuscripts, liturgical objects, and artworks spanning six centuries. Learn about the cathedral's construction through interactive exhibits and historical displays.
Make the most of your Milan Cathedral experience with these essential planning tips:
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Nearest Airports: Milan Malpensa (45 min by train) • Milan Linate (25 min by bus)
Coordinates: 45°27'51"N 9°11'29"E
Milan Cathedral is located in the heart of Milan's historic center at Piazza del Duomo, one of Italy's most famous squares. The cathedral is easily accessible via Metro lines M1 (red) and M3 (yellow) to Duomo station, which connects directly to the square. The location is also within walking distance of Milan Central Station and surrounded by luxury shopping areas including the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district.
Allow 2-4 hours for a comprehensive visit including the interior, rooftop terraces, and museum. A basic interior visit takes 30-60 minutes, while rooftop access adds 1-2 hours. For the complete experience with guided tours, plan for half a day.
Cathedral interior access is free. Rooftop terraces cost €15-25 by elevator or €10-15 via stairs. Museum and Treasury entrance is €3-8. Combined tickets for multiple attractions offer better value, typically ranging from €25-35 for full access.
Absolutely! The cathedral offers fascinating experiences for all ages including the impressive Gothic interior, educational museum exhibits, and exciting rooftop exploration. Children often enjoy counting the spires and spotting gargoyles, though adult supervision is required on the rooftop terraces.
Early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer the best experience with fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photography. Avoid weekends and Italian holidays for smaller crowds. Weather is generally mild year-round, though spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures.
Interior visits don't require reservations, but advance booking is strongly recommended for rooftop access, especially during peak season (April-October). Guided tours and special experiences should be booked online in advance. Skip-the-line tickets are available for immediate entry.
Modest attire is required for entry: shoulders and knees must be covered, no low-cut tops or short shorts. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for rooftop exploration. Scarves or shawls are helpful for quick coverage adjustments. Hats should be removed inside the cathedral.
The cathedral is surrounded by Milan's top attractions: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II luxury shopping arcade, La Scala opera house, Royal Palace of Milan, and the Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district. All are within walking distance, making it easy to plan a full day of cultural exploration.
