Explore the Duomo di Milano, sometimes called the city’s throbbing heart. The recognizable Gothic cathedral serves as the city’s emblem and the first point of interest for visitors visiting Milan. A magnificent cathedral that draws thousands of tourists and pilgrims each day.
If you are also planning to visit the Duomo, being well-prepared can help you get the most out of your visit. Here are some useful tips for having a wonderful time at the Duomo di Milano.
1. Book Tickets in Advance
The last thing you want when you arrive at Duomo Milan are long, uncomfortable lineups. To avoid the agonizingly long queues, simply purchase a Duomo Milan skip-the-line ticket online well in advance. By doing this, you can also ensure that your tour is scheduled at a time that works for you and adjust your schedule accordingly.
You may spend more time appreciating your visit to the Duomo Milan the less time you waste waiting in line. You will have time later to visit some of the nearby sites. Purchasing tickets online also lets you enjoy discounts and be fully informed about what to plan for your visit.
2. Know the Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Duomo di Milano is early morning or noon. The crowds are relatively low during these hours, and you can have a crowd-free experience. We recommend visitors skip sunset hours, as they are the most crowded time of day to visit the rooftop. It is also better to visit on weekdays rather than weekends to skip the crowds and long lines.
3. Take the Correct Entrance
This is the most important tip of Duomo di Milan that one must not forget. It’s important to know that once you have your tickets, there are three different entrances to the church
- one for visitors who must buy them at the attraction
- one for those who have online tickets
- one for those who have skip-the-line tickets.
There are two elevator entrances for visitors who want to tour the rooftop first. You can also enter through the side doors if you plan to attend mass or any other religious service. We recommend you read more about the entrances and layout to know where to enter and how to navigate without wasting time.
4. Do Not Miss the Rooftop Experience
One of the best things to do in Duomo di Milano is to explore the rooftop. We recommend that visitors do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a close look at the Milan Cathedral’s artistic excellence and picture-perfect views of the city. You can get the cathedral and rooftop entry ticket or opt for only rooftop access. With these fast-track tickets, you can escape the crowd and enjoy a breeze-through entry to the rooftop!
5. Choose a Guided Tour
Guests who wish to enjoy the most comprehensive visit to Duomo di Milano should opt for guided tours. A local expert will lead the group in these tours and tell interesting facts about the cathedral. This tour helps you learn more about the cathedral and navigate easily without getting caught in the crowds. The tour is also perfect for families visiting with kids. The guides know how to keep the little visitors engaged and entertained throughout the visit.
6. Get Combo Deals
Milan offers perhaps too much to take in at once while visiting. Therefore, the best course of action is to choose a combo tour, which provides several attractions in a single package. The combo tickets offer up to a 10% discount on individual entry tickets. This also saves you from the hassle of going through individual ticket counter lines. Duomo di Milano + Last Super, Duomo di Milano + La Scala Museum, and Duomo + San Siro Stadium are some of the most popular combination tickets.
7. Follow dress code
Remember that the Duomo is a cathedral and that you must adhere to its dress code while there. Avoid wearing anything transparent, sleeveless shirts, shorts, or miniskirts. Wear knee-length skirts or slacks and cover your shoulders with a scarf, even when visiting in the sweltering summer. If you wear one, remember to take off your hat before entering the cathedral. There are no exceptions to the dress code—everyone must follow it!
8. Know What to Bring
Like many museums in Italy, most of the Duomo Complex’s landmarks require you to pass through airport-style security. Don’t forget to leave any glass, metal, or sharp objects in your hotel room. Using a tripod or selfie stick is also forbidden in most places, so you might as well forget about it. Large backpacks or rolling luggage inside the Duomo Complex will not be permitted. Luggage storage is unavailable at locations except the museum; therefore, store your bags there before your visit.
9. Attend a mass for free entry to the cathedral
You can’t enter the Duomo for free unless you go to mass. Plan your trip accordingly and attend a mass to access free entry into the cathedral. The mass is held at 7 am, 8 am, 8.30 am, and 11 am to 5.30 pm.
10. Visit in November to see the “Quadroni” of Saint Charles Borromeo
A unique month to see the Milan Duomo is November. Even though the weather isn’t ideal for seeing the city, you can still enjoy the famed “Quadroni di San Carlo” displayed inside the cathedral. The Lombardy region honors San Carlo Borromeo as its patron saint, and his feast day is 4 November.
Two paintings illustrating the saint’s life and miracles fill the nave of the Milan Duomo during the whole month of November. The cathedral is especially lovely this time of year, so if you’re nearby, be sure to stop by and take in the celebrations.
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Bonus: Look for Hidden Gems
Take a close look at the St. Bartholomew Flayed statue. One of the twelve apostles, Saint Bartholomew, was crucified alive because he refused to give up his Christian beliefs. Look for the deadly Tarantasio dragon. It was never defeated until Umberto Visconti, the founder of the noble Visconti dynasty, made an attempt. This fabled creature is honored by a statue. It’s located close to the marble frieze, to the right of the main door.
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Featured Image: duomomilano.it