Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) | Milan

Information

Landmark: Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
City: Milan
Country: Italy
Continent: Europe

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), Milan, Italy, Europe

The Duomo di Milano is the cathedral church of Milan and the seat of the Archbishop of Milan. It is the largest church in Italy (St. Peter's Basilica is in Vatican City) and the second-largest in Europe.

Visual Characteristics

The cathedral is a singular example of "Lombard Gothic," constructed from pink-veined Candoglia marble. Its exterior is defined by 135 spires and approximately 3,400 statues. The facade is a stylistic hybrid of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical elements. The interior features 52 massive pillars, world-renowned 15th-century stained glass windows, and a sundial meridian line set into the floor near the entrance.

Location & Access Logistics

The cathedral is located in the exact center of Milan in Piazza del Duomo.

Public Transit: Metro lines M1 (Red) and M3 (Yellow) stop at "Duomo." Numerous tram lines (2, 3, 14) serve the perimeter.

Entry: Access is ticketed. Separate tickets are required for the Cathedral, the Rooftops, the Museum, and the Archaeological Area.

Security: Strict security screening is mandatory. Large bags, glass, and sharp objects are prohibited.

Accessibility: The main cathedral and museum are accessible. The rooftops are accessible via a dedicated elevator, though some levels have narrow stairs.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction began in 1386 under Gian Galeazzo Visconti and took nearly six centuries to complete, with the final details finished in 1965. The marble was transported from the Candoglia quarries via the Navigli canal system; the "Fabbrica del Duomo" (the organization in charge of construction) still maintains the building today.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Rooftops (Terrazze): Pedestrians can walk among the spires and flying buttresses for views of the city and, on clear days, the Alps.

Madonnina: A 4.16-meter gilded bronze statue of the Virgin Mary atop the highest spire; historically, no building in Milan was permitted to be taller than this statue.

Saint Bartholomew Flayed: A prominent 16th-century sculpture by Marco d'Agrate depicting the saint carrying his own skin.

The Holy Nail: A relic believed to be a nail from the True Cross, suspended above the high altar and lowered once a year during the Nivola ceremony.

Archaeological Area: Located beneath the parvis, containing the ruins of the 4th-century Baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex includes the Museo del Duomo (housed in the nearby Royal Palace) and the Church of San Gottardo in Corte. High-speed 4G/5G is available throughout the square and on the rooftops. Public restrooms and official shops are located in the Museum and the ticket office building.

Best Time to Visit

The rooftops are best visited at sunset for photography. The cathedral opens at 08:00; arriving early is essential to avoid wait times that can exceed two hours during peak season. Pre-booking timed-entry tickets online is mandatory for efficient access.

Facts & Legends

The Duomo has more statues than any other building in the world. A verified technical detail: the cathedral uses a complex system of internal tension rods to support its massive weight without traditional external flying buttresses of the French style. Legend states that the red light bulb in the apse marks the spot where the Holy Nail is kept.