Mass Times at Duomo Milan

Everything you need to know about Mass at the Duomo di Milano. Including 2026 Mass times, what to wear and special liturgical celebrations.

The times for attending Mass at Duomo Milan are as follows:

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 there is a dress code to enter at Duomo Milan. 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.

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

  • Christmas Eve (December 24th): Chapter Eucharist at 5:30 PM, followed by the Christmas Vigil and Eucharist during the night at 10:30 PM, presided over by the Archbishop. Access through the front doors starts at 9:00 PM.

  • Christmas Day (December 25th): Pontifical Mass at 11:00 AM, presided over by the Archbishop. Vespers and Eucharistic Benediction at 4:30 PM.

  • Epiphany (January 6th): Pontifical Mass at 11:00 AM.

  • Start of Lent (1st Sunday of Lent): Mass with the Imposition of Ashes at 5:30 PM. Note: The Ambrosian Rite begins Lent on this Sunday, not on Ash Wednesday as in the Roman Rite.
  • Palm Sunday: Procession and Pontifical Mass at 10:30 AM.
  • Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday): Mass of the Lord’s Supper 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: Solemn Easter Vigil at 9:00 PM.
  • Easter Sunday: Pontifical Mass of Easter at 11:00 AM.
  • Pentecost Vigil (Saturday): Musical Elevation at the Organ at 4:45 PM, Chapter Vigil Eucharist at 5:30 PM.
  • Pentecost Sunday: Chapter Eucharist at 11:00 AM, Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation at 3:00 PM presided over by the Archbishop.
  • Dedication of the Cathedral: Celebrated on the third Sunday of October with a Pontifical Mass at 11:00 AM.

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:

  • Sundays: A Low Mass at 8:15 AM and a Sung Mass at 9:45 AM.

As always, it’s best to confirm the times on their website, before you go.

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