Milan Cathedral Crypts and Treasures 

Duomo di Milano is one of the most popular attractions and the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. However, there is much more to the Duomo Milano than its stunning rooftops, grand structure, Gothic architecture, Renaissance style, and exquisite statues and facades. Unravel the layers of history, art and culture by exploring the hidden gems at the Duomo di Milano, such as the Crypt in Duomo Milan, the chapels and the Via Dolorosa.

Milan Cathedral Crypt

The Duomo Milan Crypt is located under the high altar. Pellegrino Pellegrini designed it in the 16th century. It is one of the best-hidden gems at Duomo di Milano. Let us learn more about the Crypt in Duomo Milano.

What to Expect at the Duomo di Milano Crypts?

The Crypt in Duomo Milan is a place of worship. The Eucharist Mass is held here at 8:30 a.m. Duomo Milan’s crypt features a circular space, vaulted ceilings with stucco work decor, and a fresco depicting symbols of the Eucharist, the Passion and angels.

How do I access the crypt in Duomo di Milano?

Visitors must visit the Cathedral to access the Duomo Milan’s Crypts, under the cathedral’s marble floors. Visitors need Duomo di Milano tickets to access the Crypt in Duomo Milan. Remember that the Crypt in Milan Duomo’s opening hours differ from those of the Duomo di Milano Cathedral, Duomo Rooftop, and Duomo Museum, so plan accordingly.

Duomo di Milano Crypts Opening Hours

The Duomo Milan’s Crypt of St Charles is open from 11 am to 5.30 pm Monday through Friday, 11 am to 5 pm Saturday and 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm Sunday.

Here are the opening hours of Milan Duomo Crypt at a glance for your reference:

Day	Crypt Opening Hours
Monday to Friday	11 am to 5.30 pm
Saturday	11 am to 5 pm
Sunday	1.30 pm to 3.30 pm

Chapels in the Milan Duomo Crypts

There are two chapels that visitors must explore: the Jemale Chapel and the Chapel of Saint Charles Borromeo. Let us read more about these to help you make the most of your trip to the Duomo di Milano.

Jemale Chapel

The Jemale Chapel, also sometimes called the Crypt, is a circular space with an altar housing the relics. It is surrounded by eight blended-marble Tuscan columns and a wooden choir on the sides. It is not placed under the high altar at the Duomo Milano. Unlike the Crypt mentioned above, the Jemale Chapel is more famous for its wooden choir (where the Metropolitan Chapter usually prays) than the relics. 

The Jemale Chapel is officially called the Chapel of the Duomo, and Pellegrino Tibaldi, one of St. Charles Borromeo’s favorite artists, designed it in the 16th century. It is also noteworthy that Borromeo commissioned Pellegrino to build the Jemale Chapel.

Chapel of St Charles Borromeo

The Chapel of St. Charles Borromeo is in the Duomo di Milano’s crypt and is connected to the Jemale Chapel. It houses the remains of St. Charles Borromeo, the Chapel’s namesake, an influential archbishop of Milan, in a marble tomb with eye-catching gold decoration. The chapel contains St. Charles’s relics, made of silver and rock crystal, in an urn above the altar. The relics are dressed in pontifical vestments.

Via Dolorosa

Last but not least, the Via Dolorosa, a video installation by the English artist Mark Wallinger, is a must-see at the Duomo di Milano. It is located in the Crypt of the Milan Cathedral beside the relics of St. Charles Borromeo. It was displayed first in 1025 and is now a permanent exhibit at the Cathedral. It is an 18-minute video film that reproduces scenes from the Passion, excerpted from the film Jesus of Nazareth. The video installation moves the guests emotionally and spiritually as it recreates events of the Passion of Christ dramatically.

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