The Milan Cathedral

The Milan Duomo is undoubtedly the undisputed symbol of the city that hosts it, and is one of the most photographed monuments in all of Italy and in the world.

By surface it is the third largest cathedral in the world, behind only the Basilica of Saint Peter and the Cathedral of Seville. The Duomo is 158 meters long and 66 wide, with 3400 statues, 200 bas-reliefs, 135 spiers and 96 Gothic gargoyles. The construction of the cathedral began in the fourteenth century under the command of Gian Galeazzo Visconti (first archduke of Milan) with the aim of renovating the area and celebrating the territorial expansion policy of the Visconti.

The Duomo is therefore the beating heart of the city, it is an architectural masterpiece that remains etched in the memory of all those who visit Milan. The thousands of spiers and intricate statues, like a forest of marble, are a spectacle and an impressive surprise for those who arrive at the square exiting the subway or for those arriving from the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery.

With the construction that lasted for almost half a millennium, the Duomo proudly represents the glory and grandeur of the city of Milan.

What to see in the Duomo

At the top of the cathedral stands the sparkling golden statue of the Madonnina, a symbol much loved by all Milanese and visitors. There are in fact numerous copies of the Madonnina of Milan all over the world. There is even one on Everest!

It’s amazing to think that the statues surrounding the altar were already in place before Christopher Columbus discovered America!

The Duomo is also the largest Gothic building in the world and with a Milan Cathedral (Duomo) Guided Tour, you will be able to walk on the roof.

So, a visit to the terraces is highly recommended to admire an unmissable panorama of the city and the mountains that surround it. It is considered one of the 10 best places to see Milan from above!

Things to know for the Duomo tour

Visiting the Duomo with a specific tour is among the first activities that we recommend to do as soon as you arrive in the city. One of our professional tour guides will accompany you to discover this magical and evocative place, where you can walk under the ancient vaults to look around you, but remember, Milan Duomo is the only church in the world with open-air statues on the pinnacles of the columns. Don’t forget to look up!

Whether it’s day or night, the Duomo with its majesty always gives incredible emotions, giving the visitor a wonderful memory of the city and leaving him with the belief that sooner or later he will come back to visit him.