If you are planning a trip to northern Italy, you are probably wondering if the Duomo of Milan, the stunning Gothic cathedral, is worth visiting. Right now, we assure you that it is, and you will discover the reasons behind our statement.
Absolutely, yes! We understand that it’s normal to have doubts about whether the Milan Cathedral should have a place in your Italy travel itinerary, as it competes with such iconic destinations as Rome, Florence, or Venice, but our recommendation is that you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Duomo if you are traveling through this European country, not only because of the majesty of the cathedral, which in itself justifies the visit, but also because Milan is an elegant, artistic city and known as the economic and design engine of Italy.
Think for a moment about Italy. While a delicious pizza surely appeared in your thoughts, it is possible that your mind also immediately led you to ancient ruins and Renaissance art.
However, Milan offers something totally different: a mix of impressive history and chic modernity. The Milan Cathedral, the Duomo, is a Gothic masterpiece that took almost six centuries to complete. It is currently the fifth largest cathedral in the world, and just seeing its façade, with those thousands of statues, will be worth it. It is one of those mandatory stops that make you feel small before the magnitude of the art created by humans.
Despite everything, Milan has much more to offer. Right next to the Duomo, you can visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is one of the oldest shopping galleries in the world. It is not just a place to shop, although the most famous luxury stores are there, it is an architectural marvel with glass ceilings and precious mosaics. Did you know that the famous bull mosaic is there, where tradition says that if you turn on its genitals, it brings you luck? It sounds funny, but it is a ritual you will see locals and tourists do.
If you are an art lover, you cannot plan a trip to Milan without seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. The work is located in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. However, you need to book well in advance, because tickets sell out quickly.
Furthermore, Milan has an incredible cultural life. Do you like opera? The Teatro alla Scala is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Even if you don’t go to a performance, visiting its museum already gives you an idea of the city’s musical and social history.
And if what interests you is fashion or design, Milan is your place. The Quadrilatero della Moda (the Fashion Quadrangle) is not just for those traveling with a large budget. Strolling through its streets, such as Via Montenapoleone, and seeing the window displays is an excellent way to discover new trends.
In short, yes, it is worth visiting the Duomo of Milan, as it is one of the most spectacular cathedrals you will ever see, but it will also allow you to complete your trip by visiting nearby tourist sites that let you know in detail world-renowned art, Gothic history, and, why not, enjoy a fantastic lunch or dinner with views of one of Italy’s best-known cities. It’s making you curious, isn’t it?
Let’s be honest, no one wants to waste their valuable travel time waiting in line, right? That’s why it’s important for you to know how long you have to wait in lines since, inevitably, entering an architectural marvel like the Duomo involves passing through several checkpoints, and yes, there are different lines depending on what you want to visit.
The main line, which you have to do to access the interior of the Cathedral, is generally the longest, especially in high season (summer, Easter, and Christmas). If you arrive in the mid-morning (between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM), it is common to find waits of 30 to 45 minutes. However, there is a trick that will save you a lot of time: if you already have your ticket purchased in advance (which is the best thing you can do, as we will see later), you can go directly to the entrance for visitors with tickets, which usually has a much shorter line or, sometimes, none at all.
Then there are the lines for the different entrances to the rooftop. You have two options for going up: the elevator or the stairs. The line for the elevator is almost always longer, as it is the most comfortable and used option. At peak times, you can easily wait about 20-30 minutes, just to go up. The line for the stairs is usually faster, perhaps about 10-15 minutes. Here your decision should be based on your ability to climb or descend stairs and your level of tiredness.
Finally, inside the cathedral there are no additional lines to see the main chapels or the altar area, except to go down to the Treasury or the Baptistery, which are quicker visits with less crowds.
Yes! Going up to the Duomo rooftop is the perfect way to finish your visit with a flourish, and it will also be a totally different experience from that of any other cathedral you have visited in Italy.
Some people focus only on visiting the interior of the cathedral, which, yes, is impressive, but they miss the magic of being high up. When you get to the rooftop, you enter a marble landscape that looks like a Gothic forest. You are literally walking on the roof of one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and you will also have the possibility to enjoy an excellent panoramic view.
From the terrace, you have the best perspective of the Piazza del Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the city skyline. If you are lucky and visit the cathedral on a clear day, you can even see the Alps in the distance, crowning the city’s horizon, a unique contrast with the historical architecture and the modern skyscrapers of the new Milan.
But what really makes going up to the rooftop worthwhile is the closeness to the architectural details. You can see up close the more than 3,400 statues that decorate the cathedral and the famous 135 spires. It is here that you realize the incredible complexity and craftsmanship that was invested in the construction of the Duomo. It is as if the marble comes to life. Being so close to the pinnacles, the gargoyles, and, of course, the golden statue of the Madonnina, the protector of Milan, which crowns the highest spire, is a perspective you won’t get from the square.
As we mentioned before, remember that you have the option of going up by the stairs or using the elevator. If you feel energetic, it will be best to use the stairs. Although it is a bit tiring, the feeling of slowly ascending through the walls and the possibility of seeing some details that are not appreciated in the elevator adds a more adventurous touch to the experience.
Once you are on the Duomo rooftop, take your time. Our recommendation is to take a walk along the terraces, appreciate the details of the sculptures, and enjoy the impressive views. From up there, you will understand why this cathedral is one of Europe’s Gothic jewels and you will see that, yes, the Duomo is worth visiting.
These are some frequently asked questions that may arise when planning your visit to the Duomo and whose answers you should know before getting on the plane:
The location of the cathedral is unbeatable. Around the Duomo, you will find a large concentration of places of interest and things to do near that you can visit by walking in a few minutes, which is ideal for making the most of the day. These are some of them:
Yes, there’s a dress code and it is something you must keep in mind if you do not want to be disappointed and have your entry denied. Remember that, although the Duomo is a global tourist attraction, it remains an active place of worship, a Catholic church, and therefore, respectful clothing is required.
The rule is simple: shoulders and knees must be covered, for both men and women. This means that sleeveless shirts, tops that show the abdomen, very short pants, or mini-skirts are not allowed.
Failure to comply with the code is grounds for denial of access, and there is nothing worse than waiting in line only to be rejected at the end, right? It is a small precaution that is worth taking.
If you are taking a quick tour in Milan before going to your accommodation or the station, you should note that you cannot store your backpack or luggage inside the Duomo.
Cathedrals, in general, and even more so in a current security context, have very strict policies on bag size and do not allow entry with large backpacks, suitcases, or bulky items. Only small and medium-sized bags are allowed, so if you are carrying a hiking backpack or a cabin suitcase, you will have a problem.
As an alternative, our recommendation is to use the external luggage storage services available near the Piazza del Duomo. There are several private companies and self-service lockers that allow you to rent a space for hours or for the full day. This way, you can enjoy the visit with total peace of mind, without carrying unnecessary weight.
If you plan to arrive in Milan by train, the central station (Milano Centrale) also has an official storage service. Planning where to leave your belongings is a small step that will ensure a more comfortable visit. Don’t forget it!
Yes, without a doubt! Of all the recommendations we have shared, especially keep this one in mind: buy your ticket to the Duomo Milan in advance.
The key to minimizing the wait and feeling that the visit to the Duomo was worthwhile is to buy your ticket in advance and consider attending first thing in the morning (just when it opens) or late in the afternoon, when the flow of tourists decreases considerably. There are two compelling reasons:
Furthermore, by buying your ticket for the Duomo of Milan online, you can better plan your budget and your time. There are different types of tickets (cathedral only, cathedral and terraces with stairs, or cathedral and terraces with elevator). Calmly choose the ticket that best suits your interests and schedules to ensure a perfect experience.
Absolutely yes. It is highly recommended to buy your Duomo tickets online in advance. Tickets often sell out, especially during peak tourism season, and the on-site ticket lines can be extremely long. By booking ahead, you’ll save time waiting in queues and ensure you have entry secured for your desired day. In short, advance tickets (ideally with “skip-the-line” access) will make your visit much smoother.
There are three elements of this Gothic marvel that, when combined, make it unforgettable:
The first is the monumentality of its exterior. The Candoglia marble façade, with its thousands of statues and pinnacles, is a colossal work of art. It is incredible to see how the Gothic design is taken to the extreme, creating an effect of stone lace.
The second element, and perhaps the most surprising, is the feeling of light and spaciousness inside. The Duomo’s stained-glass windows are among the largest and oldest in the world, and when the sunlight passes through them, they fill the nave with vibrant colors, creating a serene atmosphere, despite the number of visitors.
And, of course, the third point is the unique perspective offered by the rooftop. It is not just the panoramic view of Milan that is impressive, but the opportunity to walk among the marble spires and see the statue of the Madonnina, the protector of the city, up close. It is an experience that allows you to appreciate every detail of the architecture and, together, it offers a combination of Gothic art, city history, and incomparable views that explain why the Duomo of Milan is worthwhile and completely justifies the time of the visit.
If you want to enjoy the best things about the Milan Cathedral, remember our recommendations, pack your bag, and buy your ticket in advance to enjoy a unique experience in a historic jewel. You will not regret it!
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