ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO VISIT MILAN
THINGS TO DO IN MILAN IN 5 HOURS
After getting to see the
Leaning Tower of Pisa
without anyone around early in the morning, and after roaming around the
town a bit, I boarded the noon train at Pisa that reached Milan by around
3:30PM. The next day early morning, I had my return flight, so all I had
was 3:30PM till about 9PM in Milan (since I'm not much into the nightlife of Milan)!
VISITING DUOMO DI MILANO - THE LARGEST CHURCH IN ITALY
Getting off the intercity train, I headed right to the metro station and
got the 1-day pass, and headed to Milan Duomo. It’s the largest church in
Italy (considering
St.Peter’s Basilica
is in Vatican Nation!). It was about 4pm by the time I reached Milan
Cathedral. It was open till 7pm and so was the Archaeological Area and
Terraces. However, the Crypt was only till 5.30pm and Museum was only open
till 6pm. However I did was to go to the terrace first, so that I could
enjoy the place before it gets too dark!
TERRACES OF DUOMO DI MILANO (MILAN CATHEDRAL)
Since I had opted for ascent by lift, it was quick..... or rather that’s
what I thought. The lift actually takes you through half the distance.
Beyond that, anyways, you’ve gotta climb up. It is somewhat similar to the
climbing needed in
Copenhagen Spire
or
Basel Munster, just that, here the whole bits and pieces of staircases are all
outside, in the open air. A short walk, small staircase, change direction,
short walk, small staircase, change direction, repeat…….. But all that is
totally worth it. The view is excellent, but what’s more mesmerizing is
the ability to get to see the sculpture up and close!!!
SPIRES OF DUOMO DI MILANO (MILAN CATHEDRAL)
If you’re an architecture student, this is your heaven! Flying Buttresses
everywhere, support the spires atop them which is the signature look of
the Milan Duomo. Even from a distance what makes Milan Duomo so spectacular are its spires.
And climbing up the terrace and seeing them up close was even better. Each
of these is 17m tall. In some places, the sculptures were too
unbelievable!!! There were some sculptures that were fitted within 3
columns and that’s just splendid! Of course, they are not monoliths and
construction is not as complicated as a monolith, but still, it is a visual
delight. There are 135 spires with over 1800 statues!
SCULPTURE OF MADONNINA AT DUOMO DI MILANO (MILAN CATHEDRAL)
The construction of the Duomo began in 1386. Its construction happened
bit by bit over the next few century. The façade that we see today as
well as the stained glass work was made in 1800-1900. The Madonnina
sculpture atop was made in 1650-1800. The sculptor was Giuseppe Perego
and he designed and made this in wood. Later goldsmith Giuseppe Bini
added copper plates over the wooden model and iron rods were inserted
into the wooden model. Recently while restoration, the iron rod was
replaced with stainless steel. Madonnina stands tall today at 4.16m.
INTERIORS OF DUOMO DI MILANO (MILAN CATHEDRAL)
After enjoying the terrace (not that it is enough, but I had to see
the rest of the Cathedral as well!), I went down and entered the
Cathedral. It has a high ceiling, and stained glass windows plus the
gorgeous flying buttress, this is the perfect symbol of Neo-Gothic
architecture!
Sculptures of Duomo di Milano: The entire church was
filled with so so many sculptures. Especially the exterior is
unbelievable. In total, there are more than 4000 sculptures
including the ones on the spires, outer walls, interior pillars,
etc!
Stained Glass windows & Archaeological Area of Duomo di
Milano:
The church is massive with several stained glass windows! There
between the 2 doors, close to the entrance, is a tiny door that leads
to the underground Archaeological Area! With a controlled temperature
and humidity, it was altogether a very different place. It was a bit
eerie inside to some extent.
Traces of the original cathedral of 4th C CE can be found here. After
that, there was one more cathedral built here in the 8th C. The
central octagonal altar is pretty clear and just at one portion, even
the ancient frescoes are intact!!! Some of the cement tiles are also
still intact. In the center of this octagonal altar was an octagonal
pool from which waterways had been created to reach various parts of
the Cathedral and places around it.
This had also served as a burial site and several remains have been
unearthed here. These are in various museums all over Italy. The
in-house museum has the precious stones that were used for the making
of mosaic works in the church. Some intact mosaic works are also on
display.
TIPS TO VISIT DUOMO DI MILANO (MILAN CATHEDRAL)
- If you have a bad knee, you may not want to try climbing the terrace!
- The security is really heavy, so be prepared for an airport-styled security check to enter the Cathedral! My power bank was examined thoroughly before letting me in!!!
- Large backpacks & luggage are not allowed inside the Cathedral. There is luggage storage at Milano Centrale Railway station called KiPoint on the ground floor. This is not a locker but a manned service and is open only from 6AM to 11PM. There are many other services like Nannybag just outside Milano Centrale Railway Station.
- The best way to explore Milan is by taking the 1-day transport pass.
Where is Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) (on Google Maps)? Duomo di Milano
How to reach Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)? Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) is about 3km (30 mins walk) from
Milan Central Railway station. The nearest metro stations to Milan
Cathedral is Duomo which is connected by Metro line M3.
Updated Feb 2023
Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) Church Tickets: Culture Pass at €10 for access to Cathedral
Interiors, Archaeological Area & Museum only (€6 on Wednesdays
only because the Museum is closed). This does not include rooftop
access.
Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) Rooftop only Tickets: €15 by elevator and €10 by stairs. This doesn't include Cathedral access.
Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) Cathedral, Museum &
Rooftop combo Tickets: €20 by elevator and €15 by stairs (Duomo Pass Lift & Duomo Pass Stairs
respectively)
All these types of tickets can be purchased on the
official website of Duomo di Milano
The tickets are personal, meaning, you have to pre-book a
ticket with your name as mentioned in your ID.
Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) Cathedral Free Tickets: Entry to Duomo
di Milano is included in Musei Lombardia annual pass
Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) Timings:
Church - 9:00AM to 7:00PM all days
Museum - 10:00AM to 7:00PM Thursday to Tuesday (closed on
Wednesdays)
Terrace access - 9:00AM to 7:00PM all days (last entry at 6:10PM)
BOOK YOUR MILAN CATHEDRAL TICKETS & TOURS FROM MILAN
HERE
PIAZZA DEL DUOMO
By evening the city square in front of Milan Cathedral, Piazza
del Duomo, gets a complete makeover. Several people thronged
the square in front of the church and it is also filled with a
few hundred pigeons, several street-side musicians add the
sound of music to the air and that very moment at that very
place is the best way to experience Milan.
VISIT SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE & FASHION DISTRICT
Finally, from there, I headed to Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper fresco, by
about 7:30PM. From there I headed to the much hyped about
Fashion District and was very very much disappointed. With
all the hype, I had too much of an expectation, but it
wasn’t even half the grandeur of London’s Oxford Street or Regent Street!!! If you’ve been to Regent Street,
you might as well, skip Quadrilatero della Moda!
HOW TO REACH MILAN
Being a major city, Milan is served by not 1 but 2 airports -
Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Milan Bergamo (BRG)! Milan Malpensa
(MXP) is in fact the largest airport in Northern Italy and all
major airlines operate in and out of Milan Malpensa. Milan
Bergamo (BGY) is a tiny airport and all the low-cost airlines
operate here.
How to reach Milan city center from Milan Malpensa
Airport: Direct trains and shuttle buses are available and the journey
time takes about 1 hour.
How to reach Milan city center from Milan Bergamo
Airport: Only shuttle buses are available and the journey time takes
about 1 hour.
HALF-DAY MILAN ITINERARY (MILAN IN 4-6 HOURS)
Visit Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) - the terraces and the interiors of the Cathedral
Do shopping (or window-shopping) at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and/or stroll around the Fashion District of Milan
ONE DAY MILAN ITINERARY (MILAN IN ONE DAY)
Morning: Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) - visit the terraces
and the interiors of the Cathedral
Noon: Do shopping (or window-shopping) at Galleria Vittorio
Emanuele II. Have lunch at one of the restaurants here!
Afternoon: Be amazed at Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper at Santa
Maria delle Grazie
Evening: Stroll around the Fashion District of Milan
(Quadrilatero della Moda) and relax at Piazza del Duomo
TWO DAYS MILAN ITINERARY (WEEKEND TRIP TO MILAN)
Day 1 Morning -Duomo di Milano,
Day 1 Afternoon - Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero
Maggiore and Santa Maria delle Grazie (Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper)
Day 1 Evening - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Day 2 Morning - Visit Palazzo Reale Milano (Royal Palace of
Milan)
Day 2 Afternoon - Visit Sforzesco Castle or Ambrosian Library (Biblioteca Pinacoteca Accademia Ambrosiana)
Day 2 Evening - Stroll around the Fashion District of Milan
DAY TRIPS & WEEKEND TRIPS FROM MILAN
Italy is pretty well connected by railway lines and it is quick
and easy to travel across the country by train. Here are some easy day trips and weekend trips you could do taking
the train from Milan.
Milan to Turin - Direct train - Takes about 1 hour
Milan to Vercelli - Direct train - Takes about 1 hour
Milan to Lake Maggiore - Direct train to Stresa and Arona - Takes about 1
hour
Milan to Florence - Direct train - Takes about 2 hours
Milan to Pisa - A high-speed train to Florence and then another train to
Pisa takes about 3 hours. Direct train takes about 4 hours.
Milan to Rome - Direct train - Takes about 3:30 hours
Milan to Vatican
- Direct train to Rome and walk or take a metro/bus to the Vatican -
Takes about 4:00 hours
The Milano Duomo looks spectacular from your photos.The details in the spires and sculptures are incredible; it's hard to believe the sculpture Madonnia was sculpted back in 1650-1800. I always love to visit cathedrals to see these structures up close. I will have to add the Duomo in Milan to my list.
ReplyDeleteI went to Italy few years back and totally loved it. Milan was love at first sight. Your pictures and vivid description of Milano Duomo reminded me of my time there. The sculpture of Madonnia really looks very impressive.
ReplyDeleteThose architecture is amazing! I'd like to visit there if got chance..
ReplyDeleteDuomo di Milano is so beautiful! I love all the pictures you took of the details. And it's been sometime since I've been there so I didn't remember very well the inside.
ReplyDeleteThe duomo in Milan was my favorite part of that city. Looking out from the rooftop is just amazing. And seeing the incredible detail that went into it just blew my mind.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I went to the Duomo in Milan about ten years ago and I am dying to return. its such a breathtaking architecture piece worth visiting multiple times in a lifetime :) right? Safe travels. - Mariella
ReplyDeleteIt is beyond description as far as the edifice architectural designs are concerned. They are crafted by a genius, by a far-advanced skills. The buildings are exceptionally built. Its structures are well engineered.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really big church to explore. The architecture is so beautiful and complex too. Wondering how long would it take to see every bit of it?
ReplyDeleteYou always feed me with your stunning photos and lovely travel. I haven't been to Italy yet and while reading your post, it seemed like I'm traipsing my feet in Milan, Italy as well. I like all the buildings, it is unique and really a one of kind building that can only be seen in Italy. You look good with what you wear as well. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting Milan soon just to see the Duomo, well, maybe the San Siro too. I've not read anything about it so its good to know about visiting the interior. I think I'll go for the €11 ticket and walk to the top. Useful information about buying a metro day pass too, I'll do that.
ReplyDeleteI have been inside this beautiful church in Milan just a couple of years ago. Too bad we did not have time to go up the terrace. I hope there will be another chance to visit in the future.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Milan! My cousin just got back from and her photos as well are beautiful as yours.. the stairs won't be a problem as long as you can see beautiful view as this!
ReplyDeleteWow those pictures look amazing!, i loved Milano, my son and i went to mass and we loved it (even thought we couldnt understand). I would totally go again, my sister enjoyed it very much.
ReplyDeleteIs that structure call Flying Buttress longback? I'm in awe and it looked like an illusion! I spent quit sometime looking at it!
ReplyDeleteI loved Duomo di Milano and the Terrace was my favorite part also. I couldn't get enough of seeing those statues and intricate details up close! Definitely a must-see cathedral!
ReplyDeleteyeap Italy is one of the world beauty! Love Milan
ReplyDeleteI love the duomo, it's such a beautiful building. The Piazza del Duomo is a great setting for it too. As you say it's absolutely huge and so much to see inside. Love your photos of the staitcase. Must do that next time I go.
ReplyDeleteWow, you've captured the duomo beautifully. I'd love to go to church here, if only just for the cultural experience.
ReplyDeleteI love gothic styled churches and this one is such a beauty. Been to Milan' s airport twice and still haven't visited it... need to change that!!
ReplyDeleteThe architectural terrace is absolutely stunning. I can't wait to visit one day!
ReplyDeleteViola xo | A Piece of Viola
That place is just insanely gorgeous, right? I remember not loving Milan all that much, but when I arrived here, I was just awestruck!
ReplyDeleteI agree, the cathedral in Milan is amazing, however, it was the only thing I liked about the city. Milan was the most disappointing cities in Italy ever. Comparing to Siena or other towns in the south - it was just a big city with big buildings, without a soul... What did you think about Milan in general?
ReplyDeleteI visited Milan a long time ago and did visit the very magnificent Milan Duomo, but it was not until reading this post that I realized it is he largest church in Italy! I was simply so awe-struck by the detailed architecture and sculptures that I just missed that very important detail! I will have to reflect a little but on my memory of it's scale and try to put that now in a new perspective. Thank you for helping for my perspective by sharing your experience!
ReplyDeleteThe architectural designs are just breathtaking. The sculptures are so detailed! Milan has always been on top of my list because of its architecture and of course the place it holds in the fashion industry.
ReplyDeleteThe architecture of the cathedral is so spectacular, beautiful details on its walls and the exterior! You made a wise choice by first visiting the terrace :)
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing, I particularly like the second picture you shared. What a huge piece of dedicated art. You are so lucky to be everywhere and see art in these forms.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful cathedral with remarkable sculptures and fascinating details. I love old churches for this reason.
ReplyDelete