Cathedral of Milan

Cathedral of Milan which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
The centrepiece of Milan is also the largest church in Italy, crowned by a gold-coated statue of the Madonna.

Stand in front of the Cathedral of Milan (Duomo) to take in one of the largest churches in the world. The many intricate spires of the late Gothic building are truly impressive, and it’s little wonder that this structure took almost six centuries to build. The Duomo is an icon in Milan. It is instantly recognisable in the heart of the city, where it covers almost 12,000 square metres (40,000 square feet).

The archbishop of Milan is based at the Duomo, where there are regular church services open to the public. Visit outside of mass times to wander through the cathedral. Climb to the rooftop to look out over the city. Join locals and tourists mingling in the busy Piazza del Duomo that lies in front of the church. Many of the city’s streets lead directly out from this square.

Gargoyles, statues and 135 spires make up the breathtaking exterior of the cathedral. The most eye-catching feature is the gold-coated statue of the Madonna that glistens on top of the Duomo. The Madonna looms over the streets from 108 metres (354 feet) above the ground.

Enter the cathedral through the heavy front doors and pause to take in the enormous central nave. Don’t forget to look up, as stained-glass windows are an impressive feature and cast a colourful light throughout the interior. See Christian and Roman artefacts in the Treasury at the back of the main cathedral.

Climb the staircase or ride a lift to the roof of the Duomo, where you’ll find some of the best views of Milan. If it’s a fine day, look to the horizon for the snowcapped Alps that surround the city.

The Cathedral of Milan is open every day. Pay to climb to the roof and again to visit the Treasury. Its central location means the Duomo is easy to get to on foot from many of the attractions and hotels in downtown Milan. Alternatively catch the metro, which stops outside the cathedral.

Reviews of Cathedral of Milan

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
255
" "5 - Excellent 72.03389830508475%
4 - Good
89
" "4 - Good 25.141242937853107%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 2.542372881355932%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.2824858757062147%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
25 Sep 2019

We made a trip up onto the roof of the cathedral and it was fascinating as well as the view being breathtaking. Well worth the effort to climb the stairs - although there is a faster lift.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Aug 2019

If you want to get inside prebook. I just looked at it on a walk

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 May 2019

The external architecture is brilliant and the statue of St. Bartholomew will make your hair stand in end

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 May 2019

The external architecture is brilliant and the statue of St. Bartholomew makes your hair stand up.

5/5 - Excellent

Jane
28 May 2019

Definitely go up onto the roof - absolutely incredible.

Popular places to visit


Top Cathedral of Milan Hotel Deals

Uptown Palace
Uptown Palace
4 out of 5
Via Santa Sofia N.10, Milan, MI
Uptown Palace
Rosa Grand Milano
Rosa Grand Milano
4 out of 5
P.za Fontana 3, Milan, MI
Rosa Grand Milano
The Square Milano Duomo - Preferred Hotels & Resorts
The Square Milano Duomo - Preferred Hotels & Resorts
4 out of 5
Via Alberico Albricci, 2-4, Milan, MI
The Square Milano Duomo - Preferred Hotels & Resorts
UNAHOTELS Century Milano
UNAHOTELS Century Milano
4 out of 5
Via Fabio Filzi 25 B, Milan, MI
UNAHOTELS Century Milano
Hotel Dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo
Hotel Dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo
4 out of 5
Piazza Giuseppe Missori 1, Milan, MI
Hotel Dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo
NH Collection Milano President
NH Collection Milano President
5 out of 5
Largo Augusto, 10, Milan, MI
NH Collection Milano President
iH Hotels Milano Ambasciatori
iH Hotels Milano Ambasciatori
4 out of 5
Piazza Cesare Beccaria, Milan, MI
iH Hotels Milano Ambasciatori
UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano
UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano
4 out of 5
Via Cusani 13, Milan, MI
UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.