Milan Cathedral
Duomo di Milano
One of the largest Gothic churches in the world, with 135 spires and more than 3,400 statues. You can walk up to the roof for views over the whole city.
Milan Cathedral was begun in 1386 and took nearly six centuries to complete, finally finished in 1965. It is the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world, built entirely of white Candoglia marble. The façade bristles with 135 spires. The tallest is topped by the gilded statue of the Madonnina, and Milanese law forbids any building in the city from rising higher than her. Inside are 52 massive columns, stained-glass windows and the statue of St Bartholomew. Underground, you can visit the 4th-century baptistery ruins.
The highlight is the rooftop. You can climb about 250 steps or take the lift, then stroll among the spires and flying buttresses. On clear days, the Alps are visible in the distance. Tickets come in various combinations: cathedral plus museum (about €10), rooftop by stairs (about €16), rooftop by lift (about €22), and others. It is strongly recommended to buy timed tickets in advance on duomomilano.it to avoid long queues. The dress code is strict: no shorts, miniskirts or bare shoulders, and you pass through security before entering. Take metro lines M1 or M3 to Duomo station, and you're there. Arrive at opening time for the fewest crowds. Sunset on the roof is the most photogenic, but keep an eye on the last entry time.
Opening hours
Church 09:00–19:00 (last entry 18:10); rooftop 09:00–19:00; museum closed Wednesdays
Nearby sights
- Museo del Novecento
- Royal Palace of Milan
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Santa Maria presso San Satiro
- Teatro alla Scala
- Museo Poldi Pezzoli
- Biblioteca e Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
- Quadrilatero della Moda