Inside Duomo Milan

Explore the interior of the Duomo of Milan. Uncover its magnificent stained glass windows, stunning sculptures, and rich historical artifacts.
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The Duomo di Milano also known as the Milan Cathedral is an amazing architectural wonder. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world with a striking exterior and an equally stunning interior. Inside Duomo Milan, you will find grand statues, beautiful stained-glass windows and detailed design elements throughout.

Parts of the Duomo Milan

There are several parts of the Duomo of Milan with important areas inside each with unique features and historical significance.

The Central Nave and Aisles

Inside the Duomo Milan, the layout is like a basilica with a wide central nave and smaller side aisles. The central nave is twice as wide as the side aisles giving it a grand feel. This main area is used as the main pathway through the cathedral. The Duomo is divided into five aisles with 52 tall columns that support the high ceiling. This vast space can hold up to 40,000 people making it one of the biggest Roman Catholic cathedrals in the world.

Stained-Glass Windows

The Duomo Milan has 164 large stained-glass windows. These windows show different scenes from the Bible and pictures of saints. They are some of the most detailed and vibrant stained-glass windows in Europe filling the cathedral with colorful light. The intricate artwork on these windows demonstrates the skill and dedication of the artisans who made them. Each window has its own story and together they create a beautiful and inspiring atmosphere inside the cathedral.

Statues and Sculptures

The Duomo Milan has an incredible number of statues with over 3,400 in total both inside and outside the cathedral. This makes it the record-holder for the most statues in any cathedral. These statues are placed throughout the cathedral including on the tops of the pilasters. The statue of Saint Bartholomew is one of the most famous statues located in the south transept. It shows Saint Bartholomew holding his flayed skin over his shoulder. The large number of statues and their intricate details make Duomo Milan a remarkable place to visit for art and history lovers. Each statue has its own story adding to the unique character of the cathedral.

The Madonnina

The Madonnina is the famous golden statue of the Virgin Mary that sits on top of the main spire of the Duomo Milan. This statue is a symbol of the city and you can see its golden glow from many places in Milan. Inside the cathedral, you can find smaller versions of the Madonnina in different spots. These smaller statues honour the larger one on the spire. The Madonnina’s iconic look and its presence throughout the Duomo make it a key part of the cathedral’s charm and history.

Archaeological Complex of the Duomo Milan

Beneath the cathedral, there is an archaeological area with the remains of ancient churches and other historic sites. This area includes:

  • Basilica Vetus: One of the oldest churches in Milan.
  • Baptistery of Santo Stefano Alle Fonti: A place used for baptisms in the past.
  • Basilica di Santa Tecla: An ancient church that once stood where the Duomo is now.
  • Christian Baptistery of St. John: Another site for Christian baptisms.
  • Former graveyard: Where people were buried long ago.

 

The architecture of the Duomo of Milan shows you a bit of Milan’s early Christian history. If you visit the Duomo Milan you can explore these ancient sites as they are included in several ticket packages.

The Doors of the Duomo Milan

The Duomo Milan has several doors each with its own unique design. The main door was created by Ludovico Pogliaghi and was completed in 1906. It shows the Joys and Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. The left part of the door shows scenes of Mary’s sorrows while the right part shows her joys. The side door of the cathedral of Milan is decorated with reliefs which are images carved into the surface. These reliefs are made of Carrara marble which is a high-quality stone. Above the central door, there is a large curved piece called the tympanum which shows the story of the Creation of Eve. These detailed doors add to the beauty and history of the Duomo Milan. They are an important part of the cathedral’s design and tell stories from the Bible.

More information about the Duomo Milan

TICKETS

Duomo Milan Tickets

When you visit the Duomo in Milan, this ticket gives you access to important attraction. The ticket is valid for three days from the date you… see more

TRAVELER INFORMATION

Duomo Milan Hours

The main cathedral and the archaeological area are open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Duomo Milan’s opening hours are the same… see more

DUOMO MILAN INFORMATION

Inside Duomo Milan

The Duomo di Milano also known as the Milan Cathedral is an amazing architectural wonder. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals… see more