In Italian, duomo means “cathedral” and refers to the main church in a city or town. Milan’s Duomo, officially named the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente, is one of the most iconic examples.
It is the largest church in Italy. St. Peter’s Basilica is larger, but it is located in the Vatican State. Imagine an entire small town fitting inside—up to 40,000 people can gather here at once. Italians love making comparisons to it: “This building is half the size of the Milan Duomo,” or “This cave could easily fit the cathedral.”
Construction began in 1386 and took over 600 years to complete. Inside, you’ll find soaring columns, vibrant stained glass, and intricate golden details that catch the light beautifully.
For me, the most unforgettable part is the rooftop terrace. While only a portion is open to visitors, the accessible areas are still impressive—about the size of a typical school gym. Walking among the spires and statues, you truly feel like you’re in an open-air museum.
You can choose from several options: just the terrace, only the cathedral, or the entire complex.
Check the weather! The rooftop is completely exposed, and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend visiting it in the rain.
What to do on the Duomo Terrace
- Admire the details: Up close, the sculptures and spires reveal an incredible level of intricacy, showcasing the beauty of Gothic craftsmanship.
- Take photos or selfies: The views are breathtaking, and you’ll want to capture every moment.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: Relax, sit for a while, soak up the sun, and take in the sweeping views of Milan.
I spent over an hour on the rooftop without even realizing it. Time truly flies when you’re surrounded by such incredible beauty! People around me were saying, “We’re closer to God up here!”
How to get to the rooftop
You can choose a rooftop-only pass, a cathedral entry ticket (which does not include rooftop access), or a combination ticket that grants access to the rooftop, cathedral interior, archaeological area, and Duomo Museum.
Rooftop access options
- By elevator (€16): A quick and convenient way to reach the top.
- By stairs (€14): A more affordable option, though it involves climbing the equivalent of 25 stories in a modern building.
- Fast track (€26): Offers priority access to the rooftop at a designated time slot. However, short waits may still occur during busy periods.
- Guided tours (from €35): Various tour companies offer skip-the-line access combined with guided experiences.
Note: These are online prices. Tickets purchased at the counter are usually a couple of euros cheaper.
Should you buy tickets online?
Many people recommend buying tickets online or booking a guided tour with skip-the-line access during peak times, such as weekends, holidays, or busy summer afternoons. Fast Track options are often said to save significant time during these periods. However, outside of these times—on weekdays or during the off-season—advance booking is usually unnecessary.
If you’re considering a guided tour, choose it for the experience itself, not just rooftop access. Some guides are truly outstanding.
When I visited in May at 11 a.m., I only waited about 20 minutes to buy tickets and reach the rooftop stairs.
When online tickets are worth it
- During peak times like weekends, holidays, or summer afternoons.
- If you prefer Fast Track access for guaranteed entry at a specific time (though you’ll still likely wait in line briefly).
How to save money:
Visit early on a weekday, ideally at opening time, to avoid crowds and skip the additional fees for online tickets or guided tours.
Practical tips
- Security checks: Expect airport-style screening at the entrance. Avoid bringing sharp objects, liquids, or large bags.
- Seasonal hours: The rooftop closes earlier in winter and stays open later during the summer months.
- Evening visits: The rooftop is generally open during the day, but occasional evening access may be available—be sure to check in advance.
Make the most of your visit
Explore Piazza del Duomo: Milan’s central hub is especially enchanting in the evening when crowds thin out, and the cathedral’s lights create a magical atmosphere.
Don’t feed the pigeons: Feeding them is banned, with fines reaching up to €160—so it’s best to keep your snacks tucked away.
Enjoy a unique perspective: Visit La Rinascente, a luxury department store across the square. The top floor offers great views of the rooftop, and you can sip coffee while admiring the scenery.
Crowds fill the Duomo from 11:00 to 15:00. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid them.
Around 5 million people visit the Duomo each year.
Building the Duomo began in 1386 and wasn’t officially completed until 1965.
The pink marble used for the Duomo came from Candoglia, 100 km away.
Armed guards patrol the Duomo.
No lift ticket? Time to climb! It’s like scaling a 25-story building, but totally worth it.
Teams use drones and 3D printing for precise, eco-friendly repairs, blending tradition with innovation.
The 135 spires and 3,400 statues decorate the cathedral.
From the Duomo’s rooftop, you can see Milan’s mix of old and new.
The rooftop is slightly sloped, but it’s easy to walk and even sit while taking in the scenery.
In central Milan, every square meter is put to use—even high above the city.
The golden Madonna on top of the spire is Milan’s protector. For years, no building could be taller than her, and now skyscrapers honor this tradition by placing small replicas on their roofs.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II sits right across from the Duomo.
Napoleon was crowned King of Italy in the Duomo in 1805 and funded the completion of its facade to mark the occasion.
