Quick overview; visiting Duomo Milan

  • Ways to visit: Prayer area is free; interiors, museum, rooftops, and guided tours require tickets. Skip-the-line options available for terrace access (stairs & lift).
  • Sacred vs sightseeing: This is an active place of worship; prayer areas remain solemn, even during sightseeing hours.
  • Worship hours: Religious services (especially mornings and Sundays) can restrict visitor movement or pause sightseeing access.
  • Queues & security: All visitors pass through airport-style security checks; skip-the-line options can shorten waits.
  • When to book: Popular time slots and weekend visits often sell out fast, book a few days ahead.
  • Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered; tank tops, shorts, or miniskirts are not permitted.
  • Best upgrade: Add a guided tour with fast-track elevator access to enjoy detailed context and smoother entry.

Know your ticket options ↓

Which Duomo Milan ticket is best for you?

Ticket typeEntrance usedLines skippedSecurityIncludesGuideWhy pick thisRecommended experience

Cathedral Entry (basic)

Main gate on the right side of facade

Ticket queues

Mandatory

Cathedral interior only, optional Museum access

Optional audio

• Lowest-cost option • Good for a short, quiet visit

Milan Cathedral Ticket

Terrace-only ticket (stairs/lift)

Gate 1 (stairs); Gate 2 (North gate, standard lift access); Gate 3 (South gate, skip-the-line lift access)

Ticket queues + terrace queues (if selected)

Mandatory

Rooftop terraces only via lift or stairs, optional skip-the-line access

Optional audio

• Best views • Skip interior if time is short

Terrace only Tickets

Cathedral + Museum + Terraces

Main entrance + Gate 1, 2 or Gate 3 (depending on type of terrace access)

Ticket queues + terrace queues (if selected)

Mandatory

Cathedral, Museum, terraces via lift or stairs with optional skip-the-line access

Optional audio

• See 3 must-see Duomo highlights • Flexible pacing

Cathedral + Museum + Terraces

Skip-the-line full complex

Main entrance + Gate 1 or Gate 3 (depending on type of terrace access)

Ticket queues + terrace queues

Mandatory

Cathedral interiors, Museum, Skip-the-line Terraces access via lift or stairs, Church of San Gottardo in Corte

Optional audio

• All-in-one Duomo access • Best self-guided value

Skip-the-Line Full Complex

Guided Cathedral + Terraces tour

Main entrance + Gate 3

Ticket queues + terrace queues

Mandatory

Guided tour of Cathedral + Rooftop

Yes

• Clear storytelling • Easier navigation

Cathedral & Terraces Tour

City + Duomo + Last Supper tour

Main gate on the right side of facade

Ticket queues

Mandatory

Walking tour of Milan’s city center & Duomo Milan, Last Supper Milan viewing

Yes

• High value • Transfers + Milan's top two timed icons included

Milan City & Last Supper Tour

What to expect at Duomo Milan

Tourists on Milan Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour with Milan Duomo in view.
Interior of Milan Duomo with visitors exploring the grand columns and vaulted ceilings.
Tour guide explaining to tourists near Duomo Milan Cathedral.
Tourists exploring rooftop of Duomo Cathedral, Milan with spires in view.
Wooden model of Milan Duomo at the museum, showcasing intricate architectural details.
1/5

Arrive at Piazza del Duomo

Italy’s largest church and the third largest in the world, the Duomo of Milan dominates Piazza del Duomo, its soaring white marble façade rising sharply above the square, instantly explaining why it took over 600 years to complete. As sunlight plays across its flying buttresses and the bustle below, you step past security and into a cool, vast interior.

Enter the Gothic sanctuary

The nave rises dramatically around you, supported by 52 massive pillars, each richly sculpted, guiding your eye upward to vaulted ceilings and some of the largest stained-glass windows in Europe. With over 3,400 statues spread across the building, every corner reveals carved saints, symbols, and details that reward slow exploration. Most visitors spend 45–60 minutes inside.

Add meaning with a guided tour

A guided visit turns architecture into narrative. Your guide explains how centuries of builders worked on the Duomo, why statues were placed where they are, and how symbolism runs from floor to ceiling. Small groups and priority entry help keep the experience focused and fluid.

Exclusive rooftop access

Upgrade for rooftop access via stairs or elevator and walk among the Duomo’s spires and statues across nearly 8,000 square meters of marble. Enjoy panoramic views over Milan, from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Sforza Castle to the distant Alps, under the watchful gaze of the gilded Madonnina.

Extend your visit

Full-complex tickets let you continue into the Duomo Museum or the underground archaeological area, adding context to what you’ve just seen. Step back into the piazza afterward, where the Cathedral’s silhouette lingers long after you leave.

Things to know before booking your Duomo di Milano tickets

What’s included and what’s not:

  • Access rules at the Duomo can be confusing. The Cathedral remains an active place of worship, with limited free entry during prayer hours.
  • Sightseeing access to the Cathedral interiors, Terraces, Museum, and Archaeological Area requires separate tickets or combo passes.

Booking window

  • Rooftop terrace tickets sell out fastest, especially April–October and on weekends. Lift access and guided tours often book out 3–7 days ahead.

Entry, queues, and skip-the-line limits

  • Entry is controlled via designated entry lanes with mandatory security screening. Timed tickets assign a specific entry window.
  • Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass ticket purchase queues for the Cathedral and terraces (stairs or lift).
  • Queues can stretch from 30 minutes to over an hour in peak season; skip-the-line tickets could be a real life saver.

Self guided vs guided:

  • You can visit independently with standard or audio-guided/guidebook tickets, or join guided tours for deeper context and engagement.
  • Audio explains; the digital guidebook (with maps, images, trivia, and highlights) shows—together, they prevent you from getting lost or missing key details.

Policies

  • Tickets are non-refundable and typically valid for a single entry; late arrivals may forfeit their reserved time slot. A strict dress code is enforced: shoulders and knees must be covered.

Upgrades & combos

  • Terrace access is the most popular upgrade. You can either climb roughly 250 steps or take the lift to Level I—but you’ll still need to climb 75–90 stairs to reach the very top, and everyone descends by stairs.
  • Full-access passes offer better value, as they bundle the Museum, Rooftop, Archaeological Area, and San Gottardo Church into one ticket with skip-the-line access

Mobility and physical requirements

  • Terrace routes involve stairs and narrow walkways, even with lift access. Visitors with mobility concerns may prefer Cathedral and Museum-focused tickets over rooftop options.
Avoid on-the-spot hassle—book online before you go

The venue promotes buying tickets online via QR codes at the entrance. To avoid poor connectivity, sold-out slots, and last-minute booking stress, it’s best to book in advance.

Milan Duomo rooftop spires with city skyline in the background.

Explore the Duomo Milan complex

Duomo Museum

Explore Milan’s rich heritage through sculptures, stained glass, and architectural models detailing the cathedral’s six-century history.

Discover the Museum

Milan Cathedral

The heart of the complex, known for its vast nave, towering columns, stained glass, and over 3,400 statues shaping the Gothic interior.

Know more

Church of San Gottardo

A 14th-century chapel with a pink terracotta bell tower, featuring frescoes, the tomb of Azzone Visconti, and Milan’s first public clock.

Archaeological area

Discover ancient ruins beneath the Duomo, including remnants of early Christian basilicas and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.

The Terraces

Enjoy panoramic views of Milan from the Duomo terraces, adorned with 135 spires, statues, and the iconic Madonnina.

Visit the Terraces

St. Charles Crypt

Visit the Chapel of St. Charles Borromeo in the Duomo’s crypt, home to the saint's relics in a beautifully ornate tomb.

Highlights of Duomo Milan

Milan Duomo rooftop view with cityscape in the background.
Madonnina Statue atop Milan Cathedral spire against blue sky.
Duomo Cathedral Milan interior with ornate columns and detailed ceiling.
Stained glass window depicting biblical scenes at Milan Duomo Cathedral museum.
Statue of St. Bartholomew Flayed Alive inside Duomo Milan Cathedral, Italy.
Stone statue with open mouth on Milan Duomo Cathedral exterior.
Presbytery and altar inside Duomo di Milano with ornate carvings and stained glass windows.
Milan Duomo Museum mechanical organ with ornate artwork panels.
Main entrance of Duomo Milan Cathedral with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Intricate geometric and floral patterns on the marble flooring inside Duomo Milan Cathedral.
1/10

Gothic Façade & Spires

Carved from pale Candoglia marble, the Duomo’s façade, with 135 spires and thousands of statues, feels almost weightless up close, its intricate niches and pinnacles showcasing centuries of Milanese artistry and drawing your eye skyward.

Madonnina Statue

A gilded 4.16‑meter statue crowns the highest spire at 108.5 m, symbolizing Milan’s spiritual guardian with a golden gleam against the sky. During WWII, it was covered to shield it from bombers targeting the cathedral.

Main Nave

Inside, 52 pillars rise like petrified trees, each etched with saints and beasts, run fingers over cool marble, feel the weight of 600 years.

Stained Glass Windows

Look up at the soaring stained-glass windows, among the largest in the world, where colored light filters biblical scenes onto stone floors as the day shifts.

Statue of St. Bartholomew

The statue of St. Bartholomew, crafted by Marco d’Agrate in 1562, is renowned for its detailed anatomical features, showcasing bones, nerves, and tense muscle fibers, capturing the apostle’s martyrdom..

Gargoyles & statues detail

From rooftops, 96 stone beasts leer from ledges, wind whips as you peer into their jaws, scale hitting like a vertigo rush.

Golden altar glow

Behind the high altar, a 3,500-candle reliquary shimmers under lantern light—tiny flames flicker on saints' bones, drawing hushed awe.

Choir and Organ

Wooden choir stalls enclose velvet-robed singers; the massive organ pipes thunder hymns that vibrate through stone, amplifying sacred resonance.

The doors of Milan Duomo

The Duomo doors, started in 1582, feature a central tympanum relief of Eve's creation, crafted from Carrara marble. The side doors honor Biblical heroines, with the main door completed in 1906 in neo-Gothic style.

The sundial

Installed in 1768 by astronomers from the Brera Observatory, this sundial is still accurate today, with sunlight illuminating specific floor plates at midday, aligned with zodiac signs​.

Plan your visit to Duomo Milan

Tourists inside Duomo Cathedral, Milan, admiring Gothic architecture and stained glass.

Duomo: 8am to 7pm
Duomo Terraces: 9am to 7pm
Last admission: 6:10pm

Mass timings:

Monday to Friday: 7am, 8am, 8:30am (in the Crypt), 11am, 5:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am (in the Crypt), 9:30am, 5:30pm (at the High Altar)
Sunday: 7am, 8am (in the Feriale Chapel), 9:30am, 11am (Capitular Eucharist in Latin), 12:30pm, 5:30pm

Best time to visit: Visit on weekdays between 9–11am or after 3pm; avoid Sundays due to mass-related crowds. Early arrivals also mean shorter security queues.

See complete Duomo Milan timetable
Tourists taking selfie with Milan Cathedral from City Sightseeing bus.

Address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy.
Find on Maps.

  • By metro: Metro routes M1 or M3 to reach Montenapoleone station.
    Nearest stop: Montenapoleone station, 11-min away
  • By bus: Bus numbers 57, 58, 60, 73, or 79.
    Nearest stop: Diaz, 3-min away
  • By car: 49 km (1 hour) from Malpensa airport; 7 km (25 min) from Milan Linate airport.
    Parking: Finding parking near the cathedral can be tough. Nearest parking are Central Parking Srl (17 minutes away) and Posteggio (14 minutes away)
  • By Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours:
    Milan Open Tour: The closest stop is Cathedral in route: Milan Highlights
    City Sightseeing Milan: The closest stop is Duomo Cathedral in route: Line A (Red)
How to get to Duomo Milan
Duomo di Milano facade with side entrances and tourists in the square.

There are three entrances to Duomo Milan, which are as follows:

  • Main entrances: There are three main entrances to the cathedral located on the left and right side of the huge bronze door when you face the cathedral. The left entrance is for regular entry, while the doors on the right side are for online reservations and skip-the-line tickets.
  • Side doors to Cathedral: The side doors of the cathedral, which are located on the Martini/Arcivescovado side and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II side, are dedicated to people who come for worship and other religious occasions.
  • Elevator entrance: The elevator entrance is used by visitors who wish to explore the terraces and are short of time to take the stairs to access the terrace.
Know more
Security screening area at a tourist attraction entrance with visitors in line.
  • You are not allowed to bring any signs or symbols related to political or ideological movements. 
  • There’s a mandatory security check at the entrance.
  • Shoulders and knees must be covered as a sign of respect in sacred spaces. Wearing sandals, headgear, or sunglasses is also prohibited.
  • Prohibited items: Prams, helmets, food, drinks, flowers, knives, glass items, masks, musical instruments, high heels, luggage, and drones.
Person using headphones and smartphone for The Great Fire Monument audio guide.

The following facilities are available at Duomo Milan:

  • Information Desks
  • Restrooms
  • Duomo Shop
  • Audio guides
  • Accessibility services
  • Wi-Fi
  • Security measures
Person on wheelchair exploring historic city street in Rome, Italy.
  • If visitors need to to use a wheelchair, there are ramps with handrails available at the entrance.
  • For visitors needing help visiting the Baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti, there is a lift available at request at the ticket office.
  • Wheelchairs are allowed on the first terrace of the Duomo, accessible via the Southern elevator. Limited wheelchair access is available up to this level, including access to the back choir area.
  • Wheelchairs are available free of charge to visitors who produce an identity card.
  • Free audio guides and radio guides are available to help visitors explore.
  • Disabled-friendly washrooms are present on site.
Visitors enjoying the view from the rooftop of Milan Duomo Cathedral.
  • If climbing to the rooftop, opt for early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer people. If you're up to it, take the 250 stairs for a more immersive experience.
  • Capture the beauty of the Duomo but be mindful of flash photography restrictions inside the cathedral.
  • Explore nooks within the cathedral to savor its beauty away from the crowds. Then, wander through Piazza del Duomo for lively street performances and nearby attractions.
  • Exploring the entire Duomo, including the cathedral, museum, and rooftop, might take several hours. Allocate enough time to fully appreciate each section.
  • Maintain a respectful attitude and low voice inside the cathedral, respecting it as a place of worship and reflection for many.

Tips & guidelines

  • Pick the right terrace access: Choose the lift if traveling with kids or to save energy; stairs are more demanding but slightly cheaper.
  • Dress appropriately: Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless or low-cut tops aren’t allowed. A light scarf helps avoid delays.
  • Check the weather: Rooftop terraces may close in rain or strong winds; clear days offer the best visibility and photos.
  • Plan for walking: The Cathedral and terraces involve significant walking and stairs, even with lift access.
  • Accessibility notes: The complex is partially accessible, with lifts and wheelchairs available; terrace access is limited to lower levels.
  • Facilities are limited: There are no public restrooms inside the Cathedral; small paid lockers are available nearby.
  • Capture the best views: For terrace photos, head to the north side in late afternoon to catch warm light on the spires and Madonnina.
  • After your visit: Stop by the Duomo Shop for souvenirs or walk to the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for coffee or gelato.

Frequently asked questions about Duomo Milan tickets

There are several ticket options for Duomo Milan. You can choose a basic entry ticket to visit the cathedral or upgrade for skip-the-line access. Other tickets include access to the terraces (via stairs or lift), the Duomo Museum, the Church of San Gottardo, and the archaeological area. There are also guided tour options for a more immersive experience.

More reads

Duomo Milan Entrances

Duomo Milan Guided Tours

Duomo Milan Interiors