The Duomo

It’s hard not to be awestruck, you’re face to face with one of the largest and tallest cathedrals in the world! Only St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and Seville Cathedral surpass it in size. Construction began at the end of the 14th century and wasn’t completed for another five centuries, an extraordinary stretch of time, even for a cathedral in those days.

Napoleon himself contributed three million to its construction, eager to be crowned King of Italy right here in Milan’s Duomo. This dazzling Gothic masterpiece, built entirely of white marble, is nothing short of breathtaking, making other cathedrals look like modest country chapels by comparison. Nicknamed the “marble hedgehog” for its 135 spires reaching toward the sky, it’s crowned by the Madonnina, a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary that has watched over the city from 108 metres high since 1774.

The Duomo truly commands attention and is well worth exploring in detail. Its façade alone is adorned with 2,300 statues, creating an extraordinary open-air art gallery. Inside, five naves brim with historical treasures, supported by 52 columns representing the weeks of the year.

Entry to the cathedral is free, though some areas require a ticket, such as the baptistery, the crypt, and the treasury. Access to the rooftop terraces also comes at a small cost, but rewards you with unforgettable views over the city, framed by an ocean of stone lacework in the foreground. Dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, the Duomo is the seat of Milan’s archdiocese and is listed as an Italian cultural heritage site, standing as one of the great landmarks of both Italy and Europe. It’s the crowning jewel of your stay in Milan, so take your time and savour it.