Milan Cathedral or Duomo is one of Milan’s landmarks and one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture, which took more than six centuries to build. This long time makes you find various stories of Milan’s history and art in every corner.
The stone sculptures that seem to have come to life, the colored windows that give the beautiful sunlight to the church, and the tall and arched columns that stretch to the sky, all take the viewer on a journey deep into history and art.
In this article, we are going to visit a historical building that captures the soul of every visitor. So if you are planning a trip to Milan, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this architectural masterpiece.
Introducing Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral, known locally as Duomo, is the largest church in Italy. This beautiful and stunning building is located in Piazza del Duomo and is a symbol of the city of Milan and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.
The exterior of the church is decorated with stone sculptures, arched columns and stained glass windows; It is so beautiful that it is impossible not to reach for the camera and take a souvenir photo.
Inside the church, you can also see unique works of art such as the stone statue of “Madonna” by “Govani Antonio Amadeo” and windows with stained glass by “Augusto Bertini”.
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Where is Milan Cathedral?
Milan Cathedral (Italian: Duomo di Milano) is located in the heart of the city of Milan and Piazza del Duomo. This church is known as the religious and cultural center of one of the most vibrant cities in Italy.
Access route to Milan Cathedral
Visiting the Milan Duomo is an adventure in itself and you can choose different routes and methods to reach it:
Private car
You can use the above location and go to Milan Cathedral by car. Of course, it is difficult to park near the church. There are several parking lots around the city center where you can park your car and then take a short walk to the Duomo.
taxi
A taxi is a good option, especially if you are traveling in a group. You must ask the driver to take you to Piazza del Duomo.
the bus
Milan’s public transport system is efficient and you can use lines 54, 60, 65 and 73 to get to the Duomo.
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The best time to visit Milan Cathedral
Milan is beautiful in all seasons; But the spring season has the mildest weather and the city environment is decorated with natural beauty.
Plus, the longer summer days give you more time to explore the cathedral and beautiful city of Milan; But if you can’t stand crowds, don’t choose summer to visit Milan.
Autumn season is cooler and has fewer tourists. In winter, Christmas decorations turn the Duomo and the city of Milan into a magical atmosphere.
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Working hours of Milan Duomo
The Cathedral of Milan is open every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. However, opening hours may vary on holidays and special occasions. So it is always a good idea to check the official church website before visiting.
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History of Milan Cathedral
The construction of the Milan Cathedral began in 2006 and lasted for about six centuries. The construction of this church was completed in 1965. Countless architects, artists and workers were involved in its construction.
The cathedral has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous empires, changes in artistic styles, and important historical events that reflect the evolving story of Milan.
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Architecture of Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its facade is decorated with sculptures, garlands and intricate carvings, while the interior features soaring vaulted ceilings and stunning stained glass windows.
The highlight is the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of Milan and the Alps on a clear day.
The exterior of the church is decorated with stone sculptures, arched columns and windows, and its two main towers, named “Della Madonna” and “Della La Rocha”, are 109 and 106 meters high, respectively. The interior of the church is very spacious and magnificent, and its dome roof is 40 meters high.
The altar of the church is located at the eastern end and is decorated with marble and gold. Above the altar there is a painting of “Holy Mary” by “Tiziano”. In the basement of the church, there is also a museum where art and religious works related to the Duomo are exhibited.
In the treasury of the church, precious and religious objects such as cups, crosses and religious clothes are stored. From the roof of the church, you can see a 360-degree view of the city of Milan.
Different parts of Milan Cathedral
In this section, we would like to introduce you to the different parts of Milan Cathedral:
Nativity scenes
The nave is the central and main part of the church, where you can see steep buildings, stained glass windows and many works of art.
Church Arms (Transepts)
The arms that come out of the nave and create a cross-shaped plan. They often contain altars or prayer rooms.
baptism
A separate area in a cathedral where baptisms take place.
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The altar and the blind part of the church
This section is the easternmost section of the church. The altar has been made higher so that the clergy can stand there during religious ceremonies. This section also has beautiful glass windows.
cellar
Under the cathedral, there is a crypt containing tombs and other historical monuments. The crypt of Saint Charles Borromeo’s tomb is one of these tombs.
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Sacristy
It is a room where vests and holy vessels are kept. This section is usually not open to the public.
Sights of Milan Duomo
As mentioned earlier, Milan’s Duomo is more of a working church than a museum. The stunning architecture of this building shows its grandeur. It is recommended not to miss watching the following items in it:
Windows with colored glass
The Duomo has more than 55 magnificent stained glass windows, some dating back to the 14th century. These windows depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints and reflect sunlight into the church with a colorful spectrum.
Image from: Breraboutique
Statues
The facade and interior of Milan Cathedral are decorated with more than 3400 sculptures. These highly detailed figures depict icons of saints, biblical characters, mythical creatures and gargoyles.
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Tombs and sarcophagus (carved coffins)
The Duomo houses the tombs of several important figures, including St. Charles Borromeo. These elaborately constructed tombs are works of art in themselves.
Candlesticks
The church’s massive bronze candelabrum, which hangs in the center of the nave, is a copy of the original. The original candlestick was melted down for wartime financing.
treasury
For an additional fee, you can visit the treasury of Milan Cathedral, which houses a collection of religious artifacts, relics and precious objects.
Sightseeing places near Milan Cathedral
The cathedral is located in the heart of Milan and is surrounded by a treasure of sights that will take your breath away. In the following, we have reviewed some of the places to visit in Milan:
Cathedral Square
Milan Cathedral is located in a square with the same name. This wide and bustling square is one of the must-see places in Milan. The bustle of tourists, street artists and square pigeons create a lively atmosphere.
When you are in this square, you will realize the grandeur of this church.
Image from: Italia
Madonna
The Medonia is originally a gilded bronze statue of the Virgin Mary that sits atop the highest spire of the Duomo. This statue can be seen from many parts of Milan. If you go to the roof and terrace of Milan Cathedral, you can take a closer look at the statue.
Image from: Breraboutique
Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery
Just around the corner from the Duomo and 100 meters away is a luxurious shopping arcade. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has a very beautiful atmosphere with attractive glass ceilings, artistic mosaics and attractive architecture of its booths.
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Museum of the 20th century
The Museum of the 20th Century (Museo del Novecento) houses a collection of modern and contemporary art; Artworks from Italian masters such as Umberto Boccioni to international names such as Lucio Fontana are on display here.
If you would like to have a glimpse of the artistic movements of the 20th century, walk about 250 meters away from Milan Cathedral to reach this museum.
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Staying near Duomo Milan
Since the Duomo is located in the heart of Milan, there are many accommodation options in front of you. You can stay in hotels like Hotel Indigo or NH Milano Corso Buenos Aires, which are a short distance from the church.
There is also the option of staying in Milan hostels or apartments, which are more affordable.
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Recommendations for visiting Milan Cathedral
To visit the Milan Cathedral, we suggest keeping the following things in mind:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to reduce fatigue during your visit.
- If you like to visit the church in peace and quiet, choose mid-week days and early mornings.
- The best time to visit Milan Cathedral is spring. We recommend you to travel to Milan in this beautiful season.
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