Mass Times at Duomo Milan

Everything you need to know about Mass at the Duomo di Milano. Including 2025 Mass times, what to wear and special liturgical celebrations.

Thinking about attending Mass at Milan Cathedral? It’s easy to see why this is a truly special experience for any believer, but not everyone knows when or how to access one of these services. It’s important to remember that the Duomo isn’t just one of the world’s most visited monuments; it’s also an active cathedral and the heart of the city’s religious life.

Because of this, the administration makes a clear distinction between access for tourists and access for the faithful, ensuring that those who wish to pray or participate in a service can do so in an atmosphere of reverence.

Day	Time	Service/Celebration	Location in the Cathedral
Monday to Friday	07:00 AM	Mass	Main Altar / Ferial Chapel
Monday to Friday	08:00 AM	Mass	Main Altar / Ferial Chapel
Monday to Friday	08:30 AM	Mass	Crypt
Monday to Friday	11:00 AM	Mass	Main Altar
Monday to Friday	01:15 PM	Mass	Main Altar
Monday to Friday	05:00 PM	Rosary Prayer	Main Altar
Monday to Friday	05:30 PM	Mass	Main Altar
Saturdays	08:30 AM	Mass	Crypt
Saturdays	09:30 AM	Mass	Main Altar
Saturdays	05:30 PM	Vigil Mass	Main Altar
Sundays and Holidays	07:00 AM	Mass	Ferial Chapel
Sundays and Holidays	08:00 AM	Mass	Ferial Chapel
Sundays and Holidays	09:30 AM	Mass	Main Altar
Sundays and Holidays	10:30 AM	Morning Lauds	Main Altar
Sundays and Holidays	11:00 AM	Chapter Mass (in Latin)	Main Altar
Sundays and Holidays	12:30 PM	Mass	Main Altar
Sundays and Holidays	04:30 PM	Vespers and Eucharistic Benediction	Main Altar
Sundays and Holidays	05:30 PM	Mass	Main Altar

Is there a dress code for attending Mass?

Yes, and it’s quite strict. It makes perfect sense, after all—the Duomo is a sacred place, and visitors are expected to dress with modesty and respect. Security staff enforce these rules at all entrances, so failing to comply could mean you won’t be allowed in.

The main rule is very simple: both men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered.

Here’s a quick guide to what is not allowed:

Sleeveless or spaghetti-strap tops.
Shorts that do not cover the knee and miniskirts.
Sheer clothing or low-cut necklines.
Hats, caps, and sunglasses (you must remove them upon entering).
Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted, mainly for your own safety on the marble floors.

A practical tip, always carry a scarf, shawl, or pashmina with you. It’s an easy solution for covering your shoulders or knees if needed. If you forget, don’t worry—there are many shops around the cathedral that sell suitable garments for visitors.

What should I keep in mind before attending Mass at Milan Cathedral?

Besides the dress code, respectful conduct is expected to maintain the sacred atmosphere of the place.

Here are a few key points on what exactly that means for you:

Prohibited Items: For security reasons, you cannot enter with suitcases, large backpacks, helmets, glass or sharp objects, weapons, drones, or food and drink.
Conduct: Keep your voice low, silence your phone, and, of course, do not eat, drink, or smoke inside. Try to move discreetly, especially if a service is in progress.
Photography: You can take photos for personal use outside of services, but flash and tripods are prohibited. During Mass, taking pictures is considered disrespectful, as it is an act of worship, not a show. It is explicitly forbidden to photograph people receiving Communion.

Special Masses in Duomo Milan

Throughout the year, the Duomo hosts solemn celebrations that mark the liturgical calendar and offer a deep immersion into the local tradition of the Ambrosian Rite. Attending one is a unique experience.

The most important celebrations, many presided over by the Archbishop, are:

Christmas Eve (December 24th): The Christmas Vigil and Midnight Mass begin around 10:30 PM.
Christmas Day (December 25th): The Pontifical Mass of Christmas is at 11:00 AM.
Epiphany (January 6th): The Pontifical Mass is celebrated at 11:00 AM.
Start of Lent (1st Sunday of Lent): Mass with the Imposition of Ashes is at 5:30 PM.
Palm Sunday: The procession and Pontifical Mass begin at 10:30 AM.
Holy Thursday: The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated at 5:30 PM.
Good Friday: This is an “aliturgical” day with no Mass. The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord is at 5:30 PM.
Holy Saturday: The solemn Easter Vigil begins at 9:00 PM.
Easter Sunday: The Pontifical Mass of Easter is at 11:00 AM.
Dedication of the Cathedral: Celebrated on the third Sunday of October with a Pontifical Mass at 11:00 AM.

Additionally, special events like the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025 will bring extra celebrations. To make sure you don’t miss anything, I recommend checking the “Upcoming Celebrations” section on the Duomo’s official website.

What language are the Masses in?

The vast majority of Masses and services at the Duomo are held in Italian.

However, there is one important exception, the Mass in Latin. Every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation, the 11:00 AM Capitular Mass is celebrated in Latin. It’s important to note that this is a Novus Ordo Mass according to the Ambrosian Rite, not the Tridentine Mass (the traditional form of the Roman Rite).

There are no regularly scheduled Masses in English at the cathedral. Still, the Duomo offers a very helpful solution: using QR codes placed inside, you can download leaflets in English with the day’s readings and the ordinary of the Mass to help you follow along.

Where else can I go to a Latin Mass in Milan?

If you’re specifically looking for a traditional Latin Mass, there’s a very special option in the city. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Consolazione, located in Largo Cairoli, offers this liturgical experience.

What makes it unique is that the Mass is celebrated in the Traditional Ambrosian Rite in Latin, using the 1954 missal, which should not be confused with the Traditional Roman Rite (Tridentine Mass). This makes it a particularly rare and fascinating celebration.

The schedule is as follows: