Milan Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and is dedicated to Italy’s St. Mary of the Nativity. The cathedral lies in the city’s heart, so there are many things to do around the Duomo. From historic sites to famous shopping areas, there is a lot to do at Piazza del Duomo. This article shares all the must-see things you should not miss around Duomo di Milano.
Cathedral Square
The Piazza del Duomo, or the Cathedral Square, is the area opposite the Milan Cathedral and the city’s heart. This bustling square is a hub of cultural, social, and commercial activity, surrounded by historic buildings. Near the square, you can visit the Royal Palace of Milan and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery. With its rich history and dynamic atmosphere, the Piazza del Duomo is both a symbol of Milan’s past and a lively gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 1 minute (10 meters)
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Just a short distance from the Duomo di Milano, the Santa Maria delle Grazie is a must-visit landmark. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned masterpiece, “The Last Supper.” The church is an architectural marvel that blends Gothic and Renaissance styles and offers a serene and reflective atmosphere.
Visitors can admire the intricate details of the church’s design and experience one of history’s most iconic works of art, making it a perfect cultural excursion near the Duomo. You can choose combo tickets for discounts if you plan to visit Last Supper after Duomo.
Timings: 9 am to 12.30 pm and 3 pm to 5.50 pm
Locations: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 18 minutes (3.6 km)
Museo del Novecento
You can stroll down to the magnificent Museo del Novecento gallery, which has an exceptional collection of Italian art from the 20th century after touring Duomo. Located next to the Duomo di Milano, this museum is home to over 400 pieces of artwork. The art is arranged chronologically to depict how Italian society and culture have evolved. Don’t miss this insightful exhibit if you enjoy art or want to learn more about this magnificent location’s past.
Timings: 10.30 am to 7.30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Locations: 8 Piazza del Duomo, Milano, Lombardia, 20123, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 1 minute (53 meters)
Teatro alla Scala
Architect Giuseppe Piermarini created the Neoclassical La Scala, one of the best sites to see in Milan after the Duomo. Since Antonio Salieri’s “L’Europa Riconosciuta” was first performed there in 1778, the opera house has been known as one of the best. The famed red-and-gold theatre La Scala is known for its exceptional acoustics, which showcase a singer’s genuine powers.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Locations: V. Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 2 minutes (300 meters)
Palazzo Reale
The Milanese kings’ and rulers’ home is located next to the cathedral. It housed the city’s political hub and had several exquisitely furnished chambers and a magnificent stairway. The current facade was created by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini, who oversaw the house’s renovation in the eighteenth century. The Palazzo Reale hosts several highly successful art exhibitions these days.
Timings: 10 am to 5.30 pm
Locations: P.za del Duomo, 12, 20122 Milano MI, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 2 minutes (150 meters)
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
One of the world’s oldest enclosed shopping malls, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was built in the late 1800s and is unquestionably a popular tourist destination in Milan. This mall is as gorgeous as the high-end couture in its stores, including Louis Vuitton, Borsalino, and Prada.
It features mosaic floors, vaulted ceilings made of blue glass, and a towering centre dome. According to a long-standing tradition, it is lucky to roll over the mosaic bull beneath the central dome on your heel. It is an essential destination, particularly for those who wish to see the best sites in Milan, Italy.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Locations: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 1 minute (280 meters)
Sforza Castle
The Visconti family constructed the Sforza Castle in the second half of the fourteenth century, and it is just eight minutes drive from Milan’s Duomo. The Rondanini Pietà Museum, one of Michelangelo’s final creations, and the Sala delle Asse are on display inside the castle. Also on view in the former ducal rooms of the castle is a sizable collection of Egyptian artwork.
Timings: 7 am to 7.30 pm
Locations: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 9 minutes (2.4 km)
Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione is one of the best free locations to visit in Milan if you’re searching for a serene, lush green getaway. You can sit and unwind while observing the vibrant atmosphere of this lovely city, or you can go for a short stroll. The intriguing La Triennale di Milano art centre and the medieval Castello Sforzesco are located within Parco Sempione.
Plan an early morning visit to Parco Sempione to ensure you have enough time to explore the area and fully experience it. This park’s breathtaking splendor will undoubtedly make you fall in love if you intend to visit between September and November, which is the greatest season to visit Milan!
Timings: 6.30 am to 9 pm
Locations: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 10 minutes (2.1 kms)
Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations outside of Milan. It is the most important Benedictine monastery in Milan. If you are considering visiting Castello Sforzesco and Doumo during your next trip to Milan, make sure to include it on your wish list. The intricate cycle of frescoes known as “The Sistine Chapel of Milan” is housed there.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Locations: 15 Corso Magenta, Milano, Lombardia, 20123, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 14 minutes (1 km)
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The Pinacoteca di Brera
The Pinacoteca di Brera, which is renowned for its exquisite collection of ancient and contemporary Italian art, is situated near Duomo di Milano. It has been home to religious art since the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, spreading over 40 rooms.
It is situated above the Accademia di Belle Arti, an art school still in operation today and established in 1776 by Austria’s Maria Theresa. This is one of the must-visit places for art lovers in downtown Milan. Here, you can also shop at the adorable stores, dine at restaurants, and stroll around the lovely streets outside the museum.
Timings: 8.30 am to 7.15 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Locations: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, Get Direction
Distance from Duomo: 10 minutes (3.1 km)
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Featured image : photos by Vecteezy