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Know More about the Bustling Piazza del Duomo Near the Cathedral

Piazza del Duomo | The Cathedral Square in Milan

The Milan Cathedral Square, officially called the Piazza del Duomo, is the beating heart of Milan and the perfect meeting point in the city. It's home to the magnificent Milan Cathedral, an impressive Gothic-style structure that dominates the square. The Piazza is a bustling hub of activity, surrounded by elegant historic buildings, trendy cafes, and high-end shops. A stroll through the Piazza and its surrounding streets is an essential experience for any visitor to Milan, offering a vibrant atmosphere and an abundance of things to see and do. It's a must-visit destination that showcases the best of this cosmopolitan Italian city.

Why Visit the Milan Cathedral Square?

Piazza del Duomo
  • The Impressive Cathedral: Marvel at the magnificent Gothic-style Milan Cathedral, the centerpiece of the Piazza del Duomo.
  • Vibrant Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the lively and bustling atmosphere of one of the city's most iconic squares.
  • Cultural Hub: Discover the historical and cultural significance of the Piazza del Duomo, a hub for art, music, and events.
  • Shopping and Dining: Explore the surrounding streets, filled with high-end shops, delicious eateries, and trendy cafes.
  • Rich History: The Piazza del Duomo has been the heart of Milan for centuries, with a fascinating history that dates back to the 14th century.
Plan Your Visit to the Duomo Milan

Plan Your Visit to the Milan Cathedral Square

Opening Hours

The Piazza del Duomo is a public square accessible at all points in the day, all year round.

The Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Milan Cathedral Square is during the weekdays when the piazza isn’t as crowded on the weekends. On the other hand, visit on a weekend and you may witness an event happening at the Piazza. You may also want to visit during the evening. The Duomo cathedral looks its best in the backdrop of the evening sun.

Duomo Milan Timings

Location

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy.

​Find on Map

The Piazza del Duomo can be found in Milan, Lombardy, Italy. Its two main landmarks are the Duomo Milan cathedral and the Royal Palace of Milan that surround it.

Getting to the Duomo Milan

Highlights of the Milan Cathedral Square

Monument to King Victor Emmanuel II

The statue of King Victor Emmanuel II located in Piazza del Duomo is a striking equestrian statue made of bronze. The statue depicts the first king of Italy in full military uniform, mounted on a horse that is rearing up on its hind legs. King Victor Emmanuel II is shown with a determined expression on his face as if leading his troops into battle. The statue is set on a pedestal made of white marble and features decorative reliefs and inscriptions honoring the king's legacy.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

This grand structure was brought about by a competition to develop the historic area connecting the cathedral and the Scala Opera house. Architect Guiseppe Mengoni won the rights to design the area by proposing a glass-covered arcade that connected the Piazza dell Scala and the Piazza dell Duomo, based on shopping arcades in Paris. Today, the arcade is one of Milan’s largest shopping complexes with boutique stores, cafes, and prestigious restaurants. It is your ideal destination for shopping and meeting up with friends.

Architecture and Design

The Piazza del Duomo as it stands today was the creation of Guiseppe Megnoni who began its modern renovation in 1865. It features a completely flat surface that covers an area of 17,000 square meters. The design of the square is characterized by its geometric symmetry and its mix of architectural styles, ranging from medieval to modern. It is adorned with geometrical designs and flanked by grand buildings.

Events at the Piazza del Duomo

The Piazza del Duomo is a landmark for events and fun activities throughout the year. The best time to visit the square is during Christmas when the square is lit up and a beautiful Christmas tree is set up. The square is also the starting point of the Parade of the Magi, a 14th-century tradition commemorating the three kings that visited Christ at his birth. You might also want to catch the Ambrosian carnival parades that happen in early March with cute costumes, concerts, street performances, music, and dances that take place in the square. The Milano Food week also makes a stop here if you are interested in authentic Italian cuisine.

Attractions Around the Piazza del Duomo

You may find several historical models around the Piazza del Duomo including the Palazzo Reale of Milan, a 13th-century building that served as a royal residence and a seat of government in 1920. The Duomo Milan Museum can be found on the ground floor of this palace. You will also find the Carminati Palace built in the early 20th century, a beautiful example of the Art Nouveau style of architecture. The Palazzo dell'Arengario is another interesting building, consisting of a complex of two symmetrical buildings that were constructed in the Fascist period as a local headquarters. And of course, the Duomo Milan Cathedral stands tall on its northern edge.

The Duomo Milan Museum

The Cathedral Square's History In a Nutshell

The planning of Piazza del Duomo began in the 14th century. The Lord of Milan Azzone Visconti ordered the demolition of the taverns surrounding the ancient churches of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Basilica of Santa Tecla to create a market square called ‘Piazza dell’Arengo’, the first version of the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo Milan was already under construction. In 1458, Pope Pius II allowed the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo to demolish the Santa Tecla Basilica to create a larger square for the cathedral.

A major renovation to the Piazza took place in 1859 to celebrate the ascension of King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy, the first king of united Italy. The renovation began in 1865 under the architect Giuseppe Mengoni. Around this time, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was added to the square. The inauguration of the King Victor Emmanuel II statue in 1896 marked the completion of the work that started in 1865.

Visitor's Tips for the Milan Cathedral Square

  • The square is located near the Milan Cathedral which is a religious site, so dress appropriately, covering your shoulders and knees especially if you want to visit the church later on.
  • Watch out for pickpockets, who operate in crowded areas. Keep your belongings safe and secure.
  • The Piazza is a popular tourist destination, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid large crowds.
  • Remember to be respectful of the religious and cultural significance of the Piazza and the Milan Cathedral, avoiding loud noise, littering, or disrespectful behavior.

​Entrances to the Duomo Milan

All Your Questions About Milan Cathedral Square Answered

Piazza del Duomo is a bustling square in Milan, home to the iconic Milan Cathedral.

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