Visitor Information on the Rooftop of the Duomo Milan
Book Tickets to the Rooftop of the Duomo Milan
Why Visit Duomo Milan Rooftop?
- Spectacular Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the ever-evolving city of Milan, and more specifically Piazza del Duomo
- Gothic Architecture: The Duomo is an architectural marvel that took over 500 years to complete. The rooftop offers a closer look at the intricate details of its pinnacles, marble-laid surfaces, and gothic reliefs.
- A Local Tradition: Since its construction, the people of Milan have frequented the terraces of the Duomo Milan for its serene and contemplative atmosphere.
- View the Madonnina: The rooftop of Duomo di Milan provides the closest view of the golden Madonnina sculpture, a cultural symbol of Milan, that stands on top of the tallest spire.
Know Before You Go
When can I access the Rooftop of the Duomo Milan?
The Terrace of Duomo is open from 9 AM to 7 PM. While the cathedral is open around between 8 AM and 7 PM.
The last admission to the Duomo Milan rooftop is at 6 PM.
Best Time to Visit: The rooftops of the Duomo di Milan are best enjoyed in the early mornings and late evenings. You are sure to catch a light cool breeze at these times. Avoid visiting during the afternoons as the direct sunlight and the heated marble floors make the terrace unbearable to stay for longer durations.
Duomo Milan Opening Hours
How can I access the Rooftop of the Duomo Milan?
You can access the rooftop of the Duomo Milan through the following ways.
- By Lift: You can reach the rooftop conveniently by accessing the lift. Remember to check if the usage of the elevator is included in your ticket.
- By Stairs: Find the entrance to the terrace in the transept. There are 170 stairs that lead to the terrace. At a height of 147 feet or 45 meters, two parallel paths lined with spires run along the northern and southern flanks, on the first level of the Terraces. The walkways lead to the counter facade where you will reach a steep flight of stairs of another 50 that will take you to the belvedere or central terrace.
Highlights of the Duomo Milan Rooftop
Gothic Architecture
The cathedral’s terrace is renowned for its openwork pinnacles and 135 spires, set upon delicate flying buttresses. The terrace platform is surrounded by walled structures, archways, banisters, and spires adorned with stone carvings such as statues, and architectural flourishes of gothic design including 150 gargoyle water spouts. The counter facade is made of Candoglia marble and it is intricately carved with strange objects including an icepick, a rope, a racket as well as the face of Dante Alighieri.
The View
Upon the rooftop, you will get a chance to admire the well-known Piazza del Duomo and get unbeatable views of the city of Milan. Look over the stone walls and you will see intricately designed flying buttresses, with shooting spires and sculptures. You may also catch the Carelli Spire, the oldest spire on the north slope of the terrace, named after Duomo’s greatest benefactor. On a clear day, you may even see alpine mountains in the distance. You can also see the Church of St. Gottardo, a beautiful church of Lombard Gothic, Neoclassical and Baroque styles, and its charming bell tower.
Spires and Statues
You will also find a forest of gothic spires, 135 in total, erupting from ramparts and facades of the church, pointing heavenward. Upon these spires, you will find massive solitary statues erected. Some of these figures include Saint George, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint Victor, who are dear to the people of Milan. At the central terrace, the highest point on the rooftop, you will get the best view of the golden sculpture of the Madonnina that is placed on the Great Spire, the highest point in Milan.
Madonnina StatueHistory of The Duomo Milan Rooftop In a Nutshell
The stunning terrace of the Duomo Milan as it is today was only a basic structure during the first 400 years of the cathedral’s construction. Under the initiative of Napoleon, after he was crowned the King of Italy, new works were undertaken on the facade and rooftop between 1807-1813. During this time, most of the spires were placed on the roof and several stained glass windows with enamel-painted glass were put in place. The Great Spire, also called the ‘Guglia Maggior’, began in 1765 and was finished in 1769, according to the design of Architect Francesco Croce. The Madonnina statue, measuring 4 meters tall, was erected on the Great Spire in 1774. In the bombardment of the city in 1943, the statue of Saint George was broken to pieces. Even the golden Madonnina statue was covered with a cloth to avoid attracting the attention of aerial bombers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Duomo Milan Rooftop
A. Yes, visitors can access the rooftop of the Duomo Milan by purchasing rooftop access tickets.
A. Yes, tickets to the Duomo Milan rooftop can be purchased online or at the ticket office.
A. You can get to the rooftop by using the staircase located in the transept of the cathedral, or by using the lift.
A. The Duomo Milan rooftop is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM with the last admission at 6 PM.
A. The rooftop of the Duomo Milan was built in the late 18th century.
A. There is no specific dress code, but modest attire is required to enter the Duomo Milan.
A. The Duomo Milan rooftop offers stunning panoramic views of the city, including the cathedral's intricate spires and sculptures.
A. No, visitors must purchase a ticket to access the Duomo Milan rooftop.
There are more than 200 stairs that must be climbed to reach the rooftop of the Duomo Milan. Alternatively, you could use the lift (which costs extra).
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