At the beginning of this month, I went back to Italy to help a friend discover the country. We went to Venice, Verona, Desenzano, Sirmione and Milan! Now, I had already been to Milan, but I never really took the time to visit Milan’s Duomo properly. I’m not even sure that I ever entered inside. My friend, Ashwini, really wanted to see it, so we booked the whole package: inside, rooftops and museum!
To Visit Milan’s Duomo, Choose Your Ticket Wisely!
There are several tickets to visit Milan’s Duomo: you can visit the terraces, the museum, the cathedral, all of that or only some of it. You can have virtual reality, fast track tickets…
Maybe, the fast track tickets are useful during Summer, but at the beginning of October, there was no queue. There were many people on the roofs, but we didn’t have to wait to enter. Depending on your ticket, your won’t enter from the same gate. Simply check your ticket, it’s written on it.
I booked the stairs because we were on a budget, but you can book a ticket to go up using the lift. It’s slightly more expensive, but not much. My friend would have liked to go up with the lift, because it’s a bit of a workout and it was already hot. It’s not too hard though. Just, if the weather is really hot, you might prefer using the lift.
Regarding the entrance time: when I booked, it was written that I could use the ticket on the 3 days following the date I booked, but when I asked questions in an email, I was told that this was only for fast-track tickets, so I’m not sure. We entered at about 1.30-45 pm and we had booked at 1pm.
For a ticket to the rooftops, Milan’s Duomo and the museum, we paid 17.50 euros.
Up There, So Much Detail! And The City At Your Feet.
Arches, Gargoyles, Statues, Milan’s Duomo Is Incredibly Detailed!
If you like Gothic style and decorations, then you will like this cathedral!
It is said that the construction of Milan’s Duomo started around 1386. The monumental cathedral was built on two basilicas: Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Tecla. It required a lot of architects, artists and engineers and they came from various places in Europe.
One of the things that impressed us was the Madonnina. At the top of the highest spire, this golden statue is hard to miss. It was added in 1774.
“Fun” fact: during World War II, the Madonnina was covered with a grayish cloth in order to not become a target for bombers.
The construction of Milan’s Duomo ended at the end of the 19th century, but some renovation and restoration works happened after that. The spires have two types of statues: saints in the alcoves and prophets at the top of the spires.
You Think You’re At The Top, Think Again
When you climb up the stairs, you arrive at these terraces that offer a great view of the main square, Vittorio Emanuele II galleries and the city of Milan. You go through arches, and then, there are more stairs.
That’s because you can literally go on the roof of the cathedral: one side is sunny, the other offers some shade to rest if you feel too hot. Enjoy the panorama!
Do Not Forget To Visit The Inside Of Milan’s Duomo!
After visiting the rooftops, you go down some stairs and see the other side of the terraces. Then, you arrive inside. If you thought only the outside of the Duomo is beautiful, you’re wrong (at least, I think so). The cathedral is impressive!
Take the time to sit down and look up, this is quite something! It actually reminded me of the Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) outside and inside.
If your ticket includes the museum, know that it’s located outside. It’s small, but some items can be interesting.
To see more photos of Italy, you can visit the gallery Italy.
