Milan Cathedral: Your Complete Guide to Tickets and Tours

The Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano as it’s known in Italian, is a must-see landmark when visiting the city. But don’t just admire the stunning exterior—this guide will show you how to purchase tickets for an inside visit, including access to the breathtaking rooftop terraces.

In this article, you’ll find tips on the best tours, whether you prefer group or private options, and you’ll also get a glimpse into the fascinating history of this iconic Milanese monument. Read on, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference!

Milan Cathedral Tickets

Below is a breakdown of the official ticket prices for Milan Cathedral and its various accessible areas.

Ticket Type	Full Price	Reduced Price
Cathedral (Wednesday only)*	€8.00	€4.00
Cathedral + Museum + S. Gotardo Church	€10.00	€5.00
Rooftop (on foot)	€14.00	€7.00
Rooftop (elevator)	€16.00	€8.00
FAST TRACK ELEVATOR – rooftop only	€26.00	€13.00
Fast Track Pass (elevator) ** Priority ticket for the rooftop terraces with elevator access + Cathedral + Archaeological Area + Cathedral Museum + S. Gotardo Church + Scurolo di San Carlo.   For organizational reasons, the descent is made via the stairs.	€30.00	€15.00
Combo Lift (elevator) ** Cathedral + Rooftop terraces with elevator access + Cathedral Museum and S. Gotardo Church* For organizational reasons, the descent is made via the stairs.	€25.00	€12.50
Combo Stairs (on foot) ** Cathedral + Rooftop terraces on foot + Cathedral Museum and S. Gotardo Church*	€20.00	€10.00
Culture Pass Cathedral + Archaeological Area + Cathedral Museum and S. Gotardo Church	€12.00	€6.00

You can purchase tickets for Milan Cathedral online directly from the official Duomo di Milano website or through Get Your Guide, which offers a more user-friendly booking system but charges a small service fee.

Entry to the Cathedral is free for worshippers; see the Mass schedule section for details.

Tours at Milan Cathedral

What are the best private tours of Milan Cathedral? There are several options for exploring the famous Duomo di Milano.

Here are three recommendations:

1. A three-hour private tour of Milan with optional access to the terraces and the option of a English-speaking guide.
2. A three-hour private tour with included tickets to the cathedral and terraces, plus a wine tasting experience, also with the option of a English-speaking guide.
3. A combination tour of Milan Cathedral and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at the Cenacolo Vinciano. This tour also offers English-language options.

All options are available through our partner, Get Your Guide.

Group Guided Tours at Milan Cathedral

Group guided tours of Milan Cathedral are more budget-friendly than private ones, although they are typically offered only in Italian or English.

Our top recommendation is the group tour that includes Fast Track access to the cathedral’s terraces.

History of Milan Cathedral (with Interesting Facts!)

The Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, is a Gothic masterpiece and one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. Its construction began in 1386, during the height of the Gothic style.

The cathedral was built on the site of two ancient basilicas—Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Tecla—remains of which can still be seen in the cathedral’s archaeological area.

The project was initiated by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, then Lord of Milan, who in 1387 established the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, an institution dedicated to the cathedral’s construction and maintenance, still active today.

Visconti made a groundbreaking decision to use Candoglia marble instead of the traditional Lombard brick, transforming the cathedral into a true symbol of Gothic architecture in Europe.

Don’t miss out—visit also Castello Sforzesco in Milan and explore its rich history and stunning museums!

To complete this grand project, the Fabbrica recruited engineers, architects, sculptors, and artisans from across the continent, making the Duomo a melting pot of European cultures and artistic techniques.

Due to the project’s complexity, the cathedral does not have a single architect or engineer attributed to it, making it difficult to assign definitive authorship.

Construction began with the apse, featuring magnificent stained glass windows, and moved towards the transept and the first naves, though the completion of the vaults was delayed for many years.

On October 16, 1418, the high altar was consecrated by Pope Martin V, marking an important milestone in the cathedral’s construction. By the late 15th century, prominent figures like Leonardo da Vinci contributed to the design of the tiburio, a crucial structure for the cathedral.

Visit the Last Supper in Milan, one of the greatest masterpieces by the genius Leonardo Da Vinci!

Construction continued over the centuries, influenced by Carlo Borromeo’s pastoral guidance and the reforms introduced by the Council of Trent, which gave new direction to the cathedral’s architecture and interior design.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the tiburio was completed, crowned by the grand tower and the famous Madonnina statue in 1774.

The 19th century brought renewed activity, spurred by Napoleon Bonaparte, who ordered the completion of the cathedral’s façade between 1807 and 1813, along with continued decorative work and the creation of many historical stained glass windows.

Historical Tidbit: Napoleon’s Coronation as King of Italy

After proclaiming himself “Emperor of the French,” Napoleon expanded his power by transforming the former Italian Republic into the Kingdom of Italy, assuming the title of sovereign. The Kingdom of Italy was established on March 17, 1805, and on May 26 of that year, Napoleon was crowned its king. The coronation took place at Milan Cathedral, where Napoleon wore the ancient iron crown, now housed in Monza Cathedral. During the event, he is said to have famously declared, “God gave it to me; woe to him who touches it.”

Napoleon would lose power a few years later, and on May 4, 1814, he was exiled to the island of Elba, although he retained sovereignty over the island with the title of prince and continued to be addressed as emperor.

However, Italy was not yet unified at that time. The Italy we know today only came into being in 1861 under King Victor Emmanuel II.

The 20th century saw significant restoration efforts at Milan Cathedral, especially after the wars, including the completion of the façade with the installation of doors between 1909 and 1965. The second half of the century focused on restoring various complex parts of the cathedral, including the Guglia Maggiore and the tiburio. Since 2016, a new phase of restoration of the dome and tiburio has begun, showing that even after centuries, Milan Cathedral remains a work in progress.

The grand history of Milan Cathedral reflects not only the evolution of architecture and art but also the persistence and dedication required to keep one of humanity’s most important works alive. Visiting the Duomo is like taking a journey through time, exploring centuries of history and culture in every detail.

Archaeological Area of Milan Cathedral

Beneath the majestic Milan Cathedral lies a historical treasure hidden underground: the Archaeological Area.

This area offers a fascinating journey through time, allowing visitors to discover the remains of ancient religious buildings that existed before the Duomo.

These ruins date back to the transitional period between the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages and have been preserved beneath the cathedral square. Notable discoveries include the ruins of two important basilicas that once stood where the Duomo is today.

The first is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, also known as the Winter Basilica, dating back to the 9th century.

The second is the Basilica of Santa Tecla, a 4th-century construction used during the summer months. These religious structures were demolished to make way for the new cathedral, but their remnants can still be explored in the archaeological area.

Another highlight of this area is the Baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti, built in 378, where St. Ambrose baptized St. Augustine in 387—an event of great historical significance, as Milan was the capital of the Western Roman Empire at the time.

The octagonal baptistery was adorned with eight columns and housed a large central baptismal font, also octagonal, which can still be seen today. In the 6th century, the baptistery was enriched with mosaics, marble panels, and a sophisticated black-and-white tiled floor in geometric patterns, many of which still survive.

In addition to the baptistery, the Archaeological Area also preserves portions of the apses of the Basilica of Santa Tecla, dating from the late 4th century to the 12th century. Tombs of prominent people of the time and remains of a tri-apsidal aula, likely used for funerary purposes, were also discovered.

Up High on the Duomo: How to Visit the Rooftop Terraces

Visiting the rooftop terraces of Milan Cathedral is an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the monument uniquely while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. But how exactly can you get to the top of the Duomo and make the most of this visit?

The cathedral’s terraces, planned from the start of construction in the 14th century, can be accessed in two ways: by foot, climbing a series of stairs, or more conveniently, by elevator.

The choice depends on your level of energy and how deeply you want to immerse yourself in the experience, as walking up the stairs allows for a more intimate connection with the monument’s architecture.

Upon reaching the first level of the terraces, 31 meters high (approximately 102 feet), you can walk along the cathedral’s perimeter. This walk offers a unique perspective on the intricate sculptures and Gothic architectural elements that adorn the Duomo’s exterior, as well as panoramic views of Milan stretching all the way to the counter-facade.

For those wanting to go even higher, two steep staircases lead to the second level, situated 45 meters above the ground (approximately 147 feet). This is the highest point accessible to the public, offering a wide and stunning view over 1,530 square meters. Here, corresponding to the cathedral’s main nave, you can admire Milan in all its glory, and on clear days, you can even spot the mountains surrounding the Po Valley.

Walking along the terraces is an immersion in a true stone forest, where you’ll be surrounded by 135 finely sculpted spires, 3,400 statues, and countless other decorative elements made from Candoglia marble. Among these spires, the Guglia Maggiore stands out, crowned by the iconic Madonnina, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary that has protected the city since 1774.

The terraces offer more than just a panoramic view; they provide an unparalleled artistic and historical experience. Strolling through this scenery is like discovering the secrets of Milanese Gothic architecture while enjoying one of the most beautiful views of Milan. For any visitor to the Duomo, climbing the terraces is an essential activity that combines history, art, and a unique perspective of the city.

If you wish to make this unforgettable visit, plan ahead: the terraces are open daily, and tickets can be purchased online or on-site (subject to lines and availability). Whether you choose to walk or take the elevator, the Milan Cathedral terraces will leave a lasting impression on your experience in the city.

Best Time to Visit Milan Cathedral

Wondering if there’s an ideal time to visit Milan Cathedral? The truth is, it’s a beautiful site year-round, so it’s worth a visit regardless of when your trip is.

Of course, the atmosphere changes with the seasons.

During the Christmas season, especially in December, Milan Cathedral Square becomes even more enchanting with various Christmas trees and decorations around the area.

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In December, it gets dark early, around 4:30 PM, but the square and the surrounding monuments are usually lit up, creating a magical atmosphere. Christmas markets are also often set up around the cathedral during this time.

Spring in Milan is a great time to explore the city, as the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. The cathedral square fills up quickly, and finding a spot for a photo without crowds can be challenging unless you wake up very early! The same goes for autumn in Italy.

Summer in Italy requires some attention, as wearing sleeveless tops and short shorts is not allowed inside churches. Proper attire includes tops with sleeves and shorts or skirts that reach the knees. Since Milan can get quite hot in the summer, it’s advisable to visit the terraces early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

If you’ve been to Milan, share your experience in the comments section below—let us know what time of year you visited and how it went!

Milan Cathedral Hours (for Tourists)

Milan Cathedral, the Cathedral’s terraces, and the Archaeological Area are open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 5:50 PM, closing operations begin at 6:30 PM).

The museum and the Church of San Gottardo are open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Thursday through Tuesday. They are closed on Wednesdays.

Please note: Hours are subject to change without notice.

Mass Times at Milan Cathedral

Monday to Friday

• Eucharistic Celebrations: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM (in the Crypt), 11:00 AM, 5:30 PM
• Recitation of the Rosary: 5:00 PM

Saturday

• Eucharistic Celebrations: 8:30 AM (in the Crypt), 9:30 AM
• Vigil Eucharist (at the high altar): 5:30 PM

Sunday and Holidays

• Eucharistic Celebrations: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM (in the Ferial Chapel), 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM (Capitular Eucharist in Latin), 12:30 PM, 5:30 PM
• Morning Lauds: 10:30 AM
• Vespers and Eucharistic Blessing: 4:30 PM

Mass times are subject to change.

Access for Worshippers:

• Daily from 6:50 AM to 8:30 AM (FREE ENTRY VIA THE SIDE DOOR OF THE DUOMO – San Giovanni Bono Transept)
• Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:10 PM) – FREE ENTRY VIA THE NORTH DOOR OF THE FAÇADE

Hours are subject to change.

How to Get to Milan Cathedral

Here are various transportation options to reach Milan Cathedral:

Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Buses

There are two main companies offering hop-on hop-off bus services, which allow you to get on and off as many times as you like within a certain period (usually 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on the type of pass you choose).

The first company is CitySightseeing Milano, which has four lines (the red, blue, and yellow lines stop at the cathedral—Duomo stop).

The second company is Milano Open Tour, which has two lines (both stop at the Duomo).

Metro

If you prefer public transportation, note that there is a metro stop called “Duomo” right in front of Milan Cathedral. This stop is available on the red and yellow lines.

Just be sure to keep a close eye on your bag and belongings on the metro, as pickpockets are a well-known and frequent presence. Don’t let your guard down with wallets, phones, bags, and the like, as they can easily be stolen if you’re distracted.

There’s a metro stop called “Duomo” right in front of Milan Cathedral.

Taxi

You can catch a taxi at one of the many taxi stands around the city (for example, outside Milan Central Station) or call to book one. The phone number varies by taxi cooperative. The fare is calculated based on the meter. While taxis are required to accept credit cards, not all do in practice (some may claim the machine is out of battery, broken, etc.). Therefore, it’s advisable to ask before getting in the taxi or to have some cash on hand.

Here are a few options:

• Phone: +39 02.4040 (Taxi Blu)
• Phone: +39 02.6969
• Phone: +39 02.8585

Read also: How to Get from Malpensa Airport to Milan City Center and How to Get from Linate Airport to Milan City Center.