The world-renowned Duomo di Milano is a must-see attraction on your trip to Milan! However, there is one thing you may not have heard about this famous Cathedral. After exploring the jaw-dropping interior, you can actually head up to the Duomo rooftop for epic views of the city! Here’s everything you need to know about the Milan Cathedral tickets, getting to the rooftop, and much more.
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Why You Can’t Miss the Duomo Rooftop
There is no disputing that the Milan Cathedral is the centerpiece of one of Italy’s greatest cities. No matter how many historic churches you’ve seen around Europe, your first glimpse of the Duomo di Milano will certainly be mind-blowing. It stands tall as the heartbeat of the city with the entire population swirling around it.
The details of the inside of the Milan Cathedral are stunning, especially the massive pillars and colorful stained glass windows. Still, to truly get the full experience you HAVE TO go up to the Duomo rooftop!
I mean how rare is it to actually be able to walk on the rooftop of a 600+ year old cathedral? The views from here are some of the best in Milan, and you can see for miles across the skyline. Needless to say, you need to include the Duomo rooftop in your visit!
→ 10 Things to do in Milan Italy on Your First Visit
Getting Milan Cathedral Tickets With Duomo Rooftop
While you can buy your rooftop and Milan Cathedral tickets separately, the best way to do it is with a combo ticket. This will gain you access to the entirety of the church including all the places mentioned below.
- Duomo di Milano and Rooftop Terraces
- Milan Cathedral Museum
- Church of St. Gottardo in Corte
- Archaeological Area
Tour groups are also available or you can simply pay extra for an audio guide as part of your Milan Cathedral tickets. Plan at least 2-3 hours to see everything on your trip!
Milan Cathedral Tip: The combo ticket is valid for three days. While you can only enter each section once, this allows you to come back and see the Duomo rooftop and experience other parts on different days.
→ Book a Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour or just the Rooftop Terraces Ticket (No Church Access)
5 Facts About the Duomo di Milano
- The construction of the Milan Cathedral first started in 1386, and wasn’t officially completed until 1965!
- Duomo di Milano is the 3rd largest church in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City) and Our Lady Aparecida (Brazil).
- Some of Italy’s most famous architects and artists worked on the Duomo including Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo.
- The Milan Cathedral has the most statues of any building in the world! See 3,400 statues, 700 figures, and 135 gargoyles around the outside, through the interior, and even on the Duomo rooftop.
- The Duomo was originally built with terracotta stone. However, they soon switched to pink and white Condoglian marble. The rock was dug out of Lake Maggiore and brought in through the Navigli Canals. Today you can enjoy Milan’s Aperitivo tradition on these very same waters!
Walking on the Duomo Rooftop
After exploring the interior of the Duomo di Milano we were so excited to see the Milan Cathedral rooftop! We’ve honestly visited so many incredible cathedrals and castles around Europe and it’s so rare to be able to access a roof like this. Especially at a place as celebrated and grand as the Duomo di Milano.
After taking the lift to the top we were so excited to breathe in the fresh Milan air. What stood before us was 360-degree views of the beautiful city! We made our way around the different terraces, with each view seeming better than the next.
The different designs and statues presented endless photo opportunities which we loved. For the last 15 minutes, we found a comfortable spot and sat in awe of this gigantic cathedral. What an amazing experience!
Have any questions on getting your Milan Cathedral tickets or want to share your own trip to the Duomo rooftop? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where to Stay in Milan Italy
Ultra Luxury – Four Seasons Hotel Milano – Located in Milan’s shopping district, this luxury hotel is an oasis in the city center. Built in a 15th-century convent, the Four Seasons has everything you could ask for from a luxury hotel.
Unique Hotel – Galleria Vik Milano – High-end hotel set overlooking the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Each room has its own unique design and you’ll be near all of the best things to do in Milan Italy.
Apartment – ESTH Suite Apartment del Don 8 – These stylish mini-apartments have a hotel feel with extra space and kitchenette included. Quiet area, yet not far from Piazza Duomo.
Hostel Life – Ostello Bello – This popular and vibrant hostel has the perfect location. You can pick from dorm or private rooms and enjoy the full kitchen, sun terraces, and even hammocks!
For more places to stay near the Milan Canals you can explore the latest prices here!
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Italy Travel Planning
Explore Italy: 15 Things to do Venice – Bologna Street Food – One Day Verona
Flights: We always check Skyscanner and Kayak to search for cheap flights. That’s how we got from Rome to Venice for under $30 USD!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Italian road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around the world. Book a Florence winery tour, Capri Boat trip or street food tour with a local guide in Rome!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
