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Milan Cathedral. Photo by Steffen Schmitz on

Milan Cathedral: Best Tips & advice, opening hours, Price

Milan Cathedral commonly known as Duomo di Milano in Italian or Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, is the Cathedral church of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. The cathedral was dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan currently Archbishop Mario Delpini.

This Cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete with the construction beginning in 1386 and the final details were completed in 1965. Milan Cathedral is the largest church in the Italian Republic. The larger St Peter’s Basilica in the State of Vatican City is possibly the second largest in Europe and the third largest in the world.

There are several things about the Milan cathedral to learn, know and explore. Below are the Best Tips & advice, opening hours, Price:

Best Tips and Advice before visiting the Cathedral

Several people visit this iconic landmark for various reasons. Some go there to tour and view the historical but gorgeous Cathedral while others go there for prayers.

You are required to have a ticket if you want to explore the Milan cathedral. However, to enter the church for prayers, you are not going to require a ticket as it is free of charge.

A very important note is that you are supposed to confirm the fee on the official website. There is a separate entrance ticket for the rooftop terraces as well. Another important tip on these tickets is that there are five options for the Milan Duomo visit.

The five options are:

1. To get access to the rooftop only by stairs or lift: there will be no cathedral entrance with this ticket

2. Cathedral access only: you’ll access the museum and archaeological site without entry to the rooftop

3. Access to the rooftop and cathedral

4. Cathedral and rooftop access with an audio guide

5. Cathedral and rooftop access with a guide and fast-track entry.

An important notice is that you are supposed to check the get you enter the cathedral as there are various entry points according to the ticket taken. The book lift access is tricky as you only take the elevator one way and then you use the staircase when you get down. These stairs take you down to the church area inside.

If you want to get an easy way through the gates of Milan cathedral, you have to book the tickets ahead of time. This helps to avoid disappointment at the gate or waiting long in line. To visit the cathedral, you have two options for reserved tickets which we advised that it is the best option.

One, get the group or guided tours which are inclusive of touring the cathedral and the rooftop. The other is just an entry ticket which includes the rooftop tour via lift.

How do you get to Milan Cathedral?

There are several means of getting to Milan cathedral for a tour. If you are from other cities or other countries, you can reach the cathedral from Milan Malpensa Airport. The airport is the nearest with approximately 50 km road from the airport to the cathedral.

After alighting from the aeroplane, you can either go by taxi, train or bus. Malpensa Aeroporto Station is near the airport and you can catch your train from the station. Take the XP1 line from terminal 1 and go to Milano Cadorna, take train 1 from Cadorna Fn M1 to Duomo M1. From here, the cathedral is on a 330-meter walk which will take you 3 to 5 minutes.

You can get to the cathedral by road as you can take a taxi or rent a car and have a drive. Take the SS 336, then take the A8 towards Milano before turning onto the Autostradale Viale Certoda and reaching the Cathedral. This road is the shortest as it is around 51.5 kilometres.

Is there a way you are Supposed to Dress for the Cathedral?

All cathedrals in Italy including the Milan Cathedral have a dressing code that all visitors have to adhere to. Visitors are required to dress modestly, they have to avoid shorts, short dresses, skirts and tops as well as you are supposed to cover your shoulders and thighs.

If you find yourself at the cathedral gates with a sleeveless top or dress, you are recommended to cover yourself with a scarf or a lightweight jacket. You can later take it off after leaving the cathedral as a sign of respect.

What to Expect in the Interior of the Cathedral

Interior of the Cathedral. Author: Urban on

The most interesting thing about the cathedral is the interior which is worth visiting. Compared to other cathedrals in Europe, the interior of the Milan cathedral is so impressive and worth viewing. Among the unique things to see inside the cathedral is the archaeological site. The diggings and findings underneath the church are complex and surreal.

Don’t Miss Out on Touring the Rooftop

A flying buttress structural element on the Milan cathedral. Photo by Bruno Sudret on

Another impressive area in the Milan Duomo to visit is the rooftop. The rooftop terraces will blow you away as you can drive in the views of the city of Milan from here.

These terraces cover a surface of about 26,250 square feet it is gorgeous as you can also capture the Piazza and several landmarks near the Milan cathedral. The lucky ones who visit during summer will see as far as the Alps and the Apennine Mountains.

Cathedral Square

Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano. Photo by Gunnar Klack on

Other than enjoying the tour of Milan cathedral, you cannot afford to miss out on some other impressive sights around the cathedral. You can enjoy a nice experience at the plaza outside the Milan Cathedral known as Piazza del Duomo or Cathedral Square. This is the main square in the city of Milan and marks the city centre, geographically and culturally.

The square dates back to the 14th century and occupies an area of 17,000 m². It includes the statue of King Victor Emmanuel the second of Italy who was the king of the Kingdom of Italy. Other than Cathedral Square, there is the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emmanuel II arcade.

It is the oldest shopping gallery in Italy and is named after the king, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This shopping gallery is the oldest in Italy and has beautiful artwork and tons of luxury and fashionable shopping labels.

A Worthy Tip While at the Square

At the square, you will find several activities going on daily. You will meet and interact with vendors and street photographers who offer a lot ranging from a snap of a photo and provide an Instagram image.

The vendors might offer some food to feed the pigeons on the street. However, you have to be very careful about your belongings while at the square especially when it is crowded.

Tips on Milan Cathedral Photography

Milan Cathedral. Photo by Jakub Hałun on

While on your visit to the cathedral, you will need to keep a memory of the picturesque area which is amazing. To get the best shot of the Milan Cathedral, you have to capture it from the piazza and the terrace rooftop.

If you want the best photos, prepare yourself to get there early enough and capture them at sunrise. You will beat the crowds and also capture the cathedral when it is ‘glowing’. To get the best shots from the rooftop, you have to do it in the morning or evening when there is good lighting. Visitors are allowed to take pictures anywhere and at any time while at the cathedral.

How Long Do You Require to Tour the Cathedral?

The cathedral is enormous, so it requires more time to get to tour all corners and have a memorable experience. Getting there early in the morning is so important for you to be able to enjoy the crowd-free environment before crowds turn up.

You will require two to three hours to explore the whole cathedral inside and out. However, if you are very comfortable, you can spend the whole day at the cathedral but you will be worn out by dusk.

Another important tip while visiting the beautiful cathedral is what type of shoes you will be wearing. Comfortable, breathable and cool shoes are suitable for visitors while touring the cathedral.

A Must Know

At the Milan Cathedral, there is airport-level security as you enter the premises. The security check scans you and your belongings for weapons or prohibited items, plus no drinks or food are allowed into the cathedral.

Security is the top priority at the cathedral as thousands of people from various countries visit this area which is always at risk of any attack. Security guards are located at the gate, the rooftop and the square to maintain order and safety of the people as well as the facilities around the cathedral.

Opening Hours

There are various opening hours for different areas of the Milan Cathedral. The closing times are also different. Below are the opening hours:

1. The Cathedral

It is usually open daily from 08:00 am and closed at 7:00 pm.

The last ticket is at 6:00 pm and the last admission is at 6:10 pm.

2. Crypt of St Charles

From Monday to Friday: opened at 11:00 am and closed at 5:30 pm.

On Saturday, the opening time is 11:00 am and the closing time is 5:00 pm.

3. Duomo Museum and San Gottardo Church

Opened daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.

4. Rooftop Terraces

Opened for the public daily from 09:00 am to 07:00 pm.

The last admission is at 06:10 pm.

Price

Ticket prices for entry to the cathedral vary depending on which section you want to tour. However, if you are getting to the cathedral for prayers, it is free of charge.

These are the prices for visiting the Milan Cathedral:

1. Duomo Pass Lift

The ticket grants visitors access to the cathedral, archaeological area, rooftops by lift, Duomo Museum, Church of San Gottardo and exhibitions. Descent is via the staircase.

It costs twenty euros (€ 20). This fee was reduced by nine euros.

2. Duomo Pass Stairs

This grants access to the cathedral, archaeological area, rooftops by stairs, Duomo Museum, Church of San Gottardo and exhibitions.

The cost of this ticket is fifteen euros (€ 15). It was reduced by seven euros.

3. Culture Pass

The ticket gives access to the cathedral, archaeological area, Duomo Museum, San Gottardo Church and exhibitions.

It costs ten euros (€ 10). It was reduced by four euros.

4. Duomo plus the Museum

It gives access to the cathedral, Duomo Museum and church of San Gottardo.

This ticket costs seven euros (€ 7). It was reduced by four euros.

5. Duomo plus the Museum and Pinacoteca

The ticket grants access to the cathedral, Duomo Museum, San Gottardo Church and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.

It costs twenty euros (€ 20). It was reduced by twelve euros.

6. Rooftop access by lift

This ticket costs fifteen euros (€ 15). Reduced by seven euros.

7. Rooftop access on foot

The ticket costs ten euros (€10). It was reduced by five euros.

8. Cathedral

Gives access to the cathedral only. It costs six euros. Reduced by three euros.

Vouchers are also available to some groups of people and some organisations as well as lucky individuals. There are also special tickets available. These are the special tickets:

a) Family ticket- the ticket is available online and for three and four people only. The ticket valid for three family people is valid for 2 adults and 1 child aged between 0 to 18. The four people ticket is valid for 2 adults and 2 children below the age of 18.

b) Concessions and free tickets. Individuals with these types of tickets are required to provide documents to prove the concession.

c) Reduced Tickets. They are valid for children aged between 6 to 18. Also valid for religious or school group conventions with Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo.

d) Free Tickets. They have to be validated at the ticket office. These tickets are valid for children aged 0 to 5, people with disabilities and their carers or assistants, and military personnel (offers standard ticket only and not Fast-Track). Tour guides who are carrying out their profession with a group and teachers accompanying school groups are given the free ticket. They get 2 free for every 25 students.