Duomo di Milano Hours: Terrace Timings, Schedule, Best Time to Visit

The Duomo di Milano, including the terraces, remains open from 9 am to 7 pm throughout the week. The last entry to the Duomo is at 6.10 pm. The last ticket for the day to enter Duomo di Milano and the rooftop is available at 5.10 pm. 

Here are the timings of the Duomo di Milano at a glance for your reference:

Day	Opening Hours
Monday	9 am to 7 pm
Tuesday	9 am to 7 pm
Wednesday	9 am to 7 pm
Thursday	9 am to 7 pm
Friday	9 am to 7 pm
Saturday	9 am to 7 pm
Sunday	9 am to 7 pm

There are various attractions within the Duomo complex, and each has its own schedule. Here are the opening hours for each attraction in and around the Duomo di Milano:

• Cathedral Terrace: 9 am to 7 pm
• Crypts of St. Charles: 11 am to 5:30 pm
• Duomo Museum: 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Wednesday)
• San Gottardo Church: 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Wednesday)
• Archeological Area: 9 am to 7 pm
• Santa Maria Annunciata in Camposanto Church: 12:30 pm to 2 pm (open only on weekdays)
• St. Stefano Baptistery: 9 am to 6 pm

Note: The last entry is 50 minutes before the Duomo di Milano or the attraction’s closing time.

Duomo di Milano Mass Timings

The Duomo di Milano is a functional church, and here are its mass timings:

Duomo di Milano Mass Timings for Weekdays (Monday to Friday)

• Eucharist Mass: 7 am, 8 am, 8.30 am (in the crypt), 11 am, 5.30 pm
• Recital of the Rosary: 5 pm

Duomo di Milano Mass Timings for Saturdays

• Eucharist Mass: 8.30 am (in the Crypt), 9.30 am
• Virgil Mass (at the High Altar): 5.30 pm

Duomo di Milano Mass Timings for Sundays and on Special Occasions

• Celebrations of the Eucharist: 7 am, 8 am (in the Feriale Chapel), 9.30 am, 11 am (Capital Eucharist in Latin), 12.30 pm, 5.30 pm
• Morning Lauds: 10.30 am
• Vespers and Eucharist Blessing: 4.30 pm

Duomo di Milano Timings for Worshippers

• Throughout the week, from 6.30 am to 8.30 am
• Throughout the week from 8 am to 7 pm, with the last access being at 6.10 pm

Best Time to Visit Duomo di Milano

Duomo di Milano is one of the most visited cathedrals and attracts around 5 million visitors annually. The best time to visit Duomo di Milano is at 9 am, when the cathedral opens for visitors. Visitors who have purchased their skip-the-line ticket for this time can enjoy a crowd-free and private touring experience. 

If you do not mind the crowds, visit an hour before the sunset to enjoy the best views from the rooftop. If you cannot make it early, one of the best times to visit the Duomo di Milano is at night, when you can see the magnificent cathedral glowing under the night’s glory.

Firstly, most tourists depart by this time, and you can soak up the beautiful sights in a less crowded atmosphere. Duomo di Milano is lit up every night and shines under the moonlight’s soft glow, accentuating its beautiful features. The shadows of the Gothic architecture add an aura of suspense and mystery to the Duomo’s appearance and make a beautiful backdrop for pictures.

Best Day of the Week to Visit Duomo di Milano

The best days of the week are certainly the weekdays, from Monday to Friday. On weekdays, locals are mostly at school or work, while weekends are busier, especially Sundays. Avoid visiting Duomo di Milano on the weekends if you want to avoid the crowds.

Best Season to Visit Duomo di Milano

The best seasons to visit Duomo di Milano are spring and fall, when the weather is favourable and crowds are low, considering these are shoulder seasons. The spring season is between April and May, when the average temperature is around 21 degrees. September is another great time to visit, and the weather remains pleasant during autumn.

You should avoid visiting Duomo di Milano during the summers between June and August. Summer months are Europe’s peak tourist season, attracting the highest crowds.

The Best Time to Visit to Avoid Crowds

The best time to visit Duomo di Milano to avoid crowds is early morning. Reach the Duomo at least an hour before its official opening hours to avoid the crowds. It gets crowded at the Duomo after ten and remains so until evening.

The Best Time To Visit the Rooftop

The evening is ideal for exploring the Duomo di Milano rooftop, where visitors can enjoy scenic city views. Enjoy the beautiful sunset views from the rooftop—a sight to behold. During this time, you will also be less bothered by the scorching heat, which can make the experience uncomfortable during the day.

Best Time to Visit During Christmas

Most things remain closed during Christmas in Milan. However, you can explore Duomo di Milano. The best time to visit the Duomo during Christmas depends on your preferences.

If you want to soak in the festive atmosphere, you can head there early or late in the evening. You can look at the beautiful festive decor and click pictures before the crowd arrives during this time. However, if you wish to attend the Christmas mass, visiting one or two hours before the mass begins is best.

How Long Does It Take to Explore Duomo di Milano?

A complete Duomo di Milano complex tour will take four to five hours. Visitors who are short on time can tour the cathedral, rooftop, crypt, and archaeological areas in two hours. You can also opt for a guided tour to enjoy a comprehensive tour in two hours. 

How to Explore the Milan Cathedral?

Are you wondering what the best way is to explore Duomo di Milano? Here is our guide to visiting Duomo in four hours: 

• Start your tour at 9 am from the Duomo Rooftop. Spend around an hour here and enjoy the view of the city. 
• Head down to the cathedral and explore the interiors and crypts. It would take around 1.5 hours to visit all the altars, sculptures, etc. 
• Spend 45 minutes touring the archaeological area. 
• If you have some time, explore the Duomo Museum and San Gottardo Church. This tour will take you an hour.

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Featured Image: Britannica.com