Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

The basics

Visit the Duomo independently or take a guided tour to learn more about the magnificent stained-glass windows, rooftop terraces, and underground crypt, which houses the 16th-century tomb of St. Charles Borromeo. Time-pressed travelers can also combine a tour of the Duomo with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, La Scala Opera House, or a viewing of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. For more insight, don’t miss the adjacent Duomo Museum, which charts the building's long and illustrious history starting when construction began in 1386.

Things to know before you go

• Skip the line with priority-access Milan Duomo tickets if you've got limited time in the region.

• Travelers with kids can book a family-friendly tour to keep the little ones engaged.

• Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace.

• Most Milan Duomo tours range from 1 to 3 hours.

• The Duomo is mostly wheelchair accessible, and loaner chairs are available on-site.

How to get there

The Duomo is located in the historic center of the city, on the pedestrianized Piazza del Duomo. Since it can't be directly accessed by car, it's best to reach the cathedral on foot or by public transportation; the closest metro station is right in front of the cathedral. You can also book a private tour with included transportation. If you’re visiting Rome, Venice, or Verona but want to see the cathedral of Milan, note that high-speed train tickets are a very effective means of travel.

When to get there

The largest church in Italy stays consistently busy throughout the day, but skip-the-line entry can help you save time. Evening tours are available for visitors who would prefer to spend their rooftop visit peering over an illuminated and awe-inspiring skyline.

Gothic Milan

While the Duomo is easily one of Milan's most impressive examples of Gothic architecture, there are further examples across the city for design and history buffs to admire. Check out one of the first Gothic buildings in Italy, the Chiaravalle Abbey, or visit the Palazzo Borromeo, just a 10-minute walk from Milan Cathedral.

Ways to explore

You can enter the Milan Duomo for free to say a prayer and sit in the pews. However, you must have a ticket to visit the roof terraces and the museum. The Duomo is one of the most popular things to do in Milan, so it’s essential to prebook fast-track tickets, especially if visiting in the busy summer period.

The dizzying array of ticket options includes elevator access, fast-track entry, and tag-ons to nearby sites such as the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana art gallery. Guided tours are a great way to guarantee stress-free entry and get the history and architectural details, too.

Accessibility

The Duomo and the museum are mostly wheelchair accessible with ramps and wide aisles; some interior sites, such as the Baptistery of St. Stephen, may be off-limits due to steps. The terraces are accessible via elevators.

Age limits

Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. While there are no age restrictions, you can’t use strollers on the terraces.

What to pack

Sun lotion, hat, sunglasses; if you have a baby, a carrier for the terraces

What to wear

Flat shoes if you plan to climb up to the terraces, modest clothing that covers your shoulders and legs if you plan to visit the Duomo

Not allowed

Helmets, glass objects, luggage or bulky bags

Amenities

There are restrooms near the ticket office, in the sacristy, and in the museum. There is no on-site luggage storage, but options are available nearby.

Address

Milan Duomo occupies a prime spot in the center of the city in Piazza del Duomo. The area is mostly pedestrianized, with metro stations and tram/bus stops nearby.

Driving

Non-resident cars aren’t allowed near the Duomo, and parking is tricky. Rideshares like Uber aren’t common in Milan, but you can take a taxi from busier transport hubs such as Milano Centrale station.

Public transportation

Metro lines Nos. 1 and 3 stop at the Duomo, while tram lines Nos. 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, and 16 stop at either the M1 or M3 Duomo stops. Buses are less convenient due to traffic and route frequency, but you can take the No. 60 from Milano Centrale.

Best times to visit

Visit on a sunny, cloudless day for views from the Duomo terraces. Out of the peak season, December and January days offer clearer weather and fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

Aim to visit the Milan Duomo between Monday and Friday to miss the crowds. Weekends and school vacation periods are always busy.

Best months to visit

The shoulder months of May, June, September, and October are ideal. Skip the busy and hot months of July and August, if possible.

Special events

Milan Christmas concerts happen in the Duomo in early December. There are a limited number of free tickets, and you need to book months in advance.