Duomo di Milano

Visiting Duomo di Milano requires a bit of planning, especially with crowds eager for that legendary rooftop view or a peek at the golden Madonnina. Early mornings and quieter seasons offer more space to linger. Tickets are best reserved online to avoid wait times, and several transport options make reaching the cathedral simple. Families and seniors will appreciate both elevator and stair access to the roof. Allowing at least two hours, including time to pause in nearby Piazza del Duomo, creates a more relaxed experience.

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, especially from October to April when crowds thin and light glows softest on the marble.
• How to get there: Metro lines 1 (red) and 3 (yellow) both stop at Duomo station, while many trams and buses also serve the Piazza. Parking nearby can be tricky.
• Accessibility: Elevators to the rooftop are available for those with mobility needs; ramps and wide doors help families with strollers.
• Average visit duration: About 2-3 hours, or longer if exploring the museum and archaeological areas.

Approaching the cathedral, every visitor notices the sheer scale—135 spires, 3,400 statues, and stained glass glowing with saints and stories. Inside, colored light spills across marble floors, guidebooks open to list after list. Yet, some treasures miss even the most detailed schedules. From the rooftop, where all Milan stretches to the Alps, to simple carvings hidden behind chapels, each step offers a highlight.

• Main sights: The rooftop terraces, central nave with 52 columns, the golden Madonnina atop the highest spire, and intricate stained glass windows.
• Unique experiences: Climbing steps to the roof for city panoramas, finding Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation plaque, or joining a guided tour to access rarely seen crypts and sculptures.
• Best photo spots: The rooftop (especially at sunset), the main facade from Piazza del Duomo, and through the dramatic front doors just after opening.
• Cultural details: Construction began in 1386, stretching across six centuries—Gothic, Renaissance, and modern touches blend together; locals still gather on the steps for evening chats.