Fantastic visit to the Duomo di Milon, or Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, during our visit to Italy. It's the largest duomo in Italy (St Peter's is in the Vatican) and we both thought it's the most impressive on the outside. The history of the duomo is fascinating as you will learn about its construction on the tour. BTW, there are basically 3 areas to tour 1) duomo outside and interior 2) exterior roof tour, and an artifacts tour underneath the main floor. Construction began in 1386 and the cathedral wasn't officially completed until the 20th century. The architectural influences in that time are incorporated - medieval, Renaissance and later. Unlike most cathedrals, you can walk extensively across the roof during the roof tour between the flying buttresses, and pinnacles. The roof has 135 spires and thousands of statues, making the exterior astounding! At the top of the central spire stands the famous golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the symbol of Milan. The interior is very unique as well. One of the most unusual features - an astronomical clock built in 1786!At solar noon, sunlight passing through a tiny opening creates a spot of light on the line, allowing the cathedral's astronomers to determine true solar noon. Check it out - you will be glad you did! read more

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Beautiful architecture, inside and out. The inside was busy but I was lucky enough to go during Sunday mass, which probably accounted for half the people in there. I had to leave for another experience and came back later to see the Crypt. Some of the staff gave me a hard time about coming back in, wondering why I needed to leave even though I explained I didn't want to wait for 2 hours in the cathedral. I was able to visit the Crypt, which is only open for a short while. It's a beautiful experience if you're able to fit it in. Taking photos inside the Crypt is prohibited. Outside is very busy so be cautious of pick pockets and scammers...they are everywhere. Toilets are available to one side but for a fee. read more

Duomo di Milano - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milan, Michigan

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The Duomo was truly breathtaking and incredibly intricate. We spent a long time admiring the details. We purchased the terrace access via stairs for 15 euro each for 9:30 am. I recommend showing up earlier in the morning to avoid the crowds. There are different entrances depending on the ticket you purchase. The staircase is narrow and the turns are quick and can feel a little claustrophobic. Every part of the Duomo is worth taking a moment to take it in. read more

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Duomo Di Milano is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world. The sheer scope of it leaves you breathless. You can see it from so many parts of the city, it just sits amongst the people and gives off this energy... you have to feel it to believe. it was 20 years since I was here last, and it felt like the first time. It's such an incredible historical site. Millions of people have been here and made it a part of their story in life. To actually think of what went into constructing this cathedral... how did they do it! It's an absolute must when in Milan, and there's so much to do around the area that it's worth it. Go during the week and buy tickets in advance. Then really take the time to absorb the beauty, and all the labor that went into making this magnificent structure in Italy. There's nowhere else like it in the world. It's truly such a special place. Plus the history is worth researching! The pictures are magnificent, but it doesn't even do justice, you just have to be there! read more

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This massive cathedral is the largest in all of Italy and a must visit in Milan. Construction here started in the 1300's and took about 600 years to complete. It's beautiful to look at sunrise or sunset. We did a tour here inside and on the rooftop. Yes, you can walk up the 200 + steps to get to the rooftop and catch a view of the city below. It was absolutely breathtaking. If you plan on visiting, you must cover your arms and knees to respect those who do come for prayer. read more

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Palatial the Duomo di Milano looms, the gothic spires spearing the sky, its gothic architecture truly mesmerizing. As the largest cathedral in Italy, a visit to it is automatic. We secured tickets to ascend into the Marble Sky, to the rooftop of the duomo which houses the opulent marble terraces. Simply stunning the intricate, ornate detailing, an indication of the dedicated preservation of such a historical masterpiece. I felt I could linger in the terraces for an eternity, but descend we must and into the inner sanctum which was just as ornately detailed in a more solemn, holy manner. I dressed conservatively in order to enter the cathedral but they do seem to provide a disposable sack of sorts if you're too exposed. Regardless, a visit is a MUST -- especially to the terraces! Just be sure to secure your pass when they open 3 months in advance. A morning time slot in the summer was definitely a blessing in disguise since ascending the dizzying stairwell does require physical effort, the cooler weather in the morning making the climb a little more pleasant. read more

The Duomo is a must visit while in Milan! This is one of my favorite churches i've ever visited. The climb to the top was awesome and the views were beautiful. The inside was so grand and gorgeous, there was so much to look at. The crypts were cool to see as well but that area is smaller. read more

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Magical and a must visit if you are in the city of Milan. Be sure to secure a reservation online and print out the tickets or you can just open your phone to scan your QR code. You can buy tickets the day of, but the lines were so long. I wouldn't recommend it! You don't want to spend your day waiting in line. Reserving a time slot online was soooo easy!! People who secure online can bypass the line by simply walking towards the BACK. There will be a lot of workers to help guide you. Before going into the cathedral, there is a restroom to use but for a fee. 2 euros per person and I paid with a credit card. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The cathedral is not stroller friendly and it is not handicap friendly so keep that in mind. You will have to walk up and down stairs. Very manageable! Give yourself time to enjoy the cathedral in all the angles! read more

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This rooftop is definitely a must-visit spot, but here is my honest review. A lot of online guides say the escalator is necessary, but I personally recommend just walking up the stairs; it only takes about 5 to 7 minutes and saves you the wait. The actual rooftop space is a bit smaller than I expected, but the view is undeniably stunning. My biggest piece of advice is to buy an early entry ticket. If you go during peak hours, it gets extremely crowded and your photos will just have a sea of tourists in the background. It is totally worth it for the pictures, but make sure to go early! read more

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One of my Favs...and a must visit in the center of old Milan. It is just a drop dead stunning Church with a roof tour and stunning views. History and Architecture rolled up in one. Every time I go and you should too. Plenty of dinning and shopping are footsteps away as well. read more

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Beautiful and impressive . We really enjoyed our visit and I personally think this duomo is even prettier than the one in Florence . You need to come dressed properly or buy a wrapper . When we were there they had a concert which sounded amazing with the unique natural acoustic . Very recommended read more

The Duomo di Milano is one of those places that completely stops you in your tracks. You step out of the metro and suddenly it is just there, massive and glowing, covered in spires that seem to reach straight into the sky. The scale is stunning and no photo really prepares you for how detailed it is. Even grabbing a quick look from the Burger King upstairs gives you a surprisingly great view of the square and the cathedral, which feels very on-brand Milan. Inside, the Duomo feels just as intense but in a quieter way. The stained glass windows are huge and colorful, casting light all over the stone interior, and there are statues, tombs, and religious artifacts everywhere you look. It feels less ornate than some churches and more powerful, almost overwhelming in size and atmosphere. Another highlight though is going up to the roof. Walking on top of the Duomo puts you right among the stone spires and sculptures, close enough to see all the tiny details carved into them. From up there you get good views over the nearby area, and on a clear day you can even see the Alps in the distance. It is one of those experiences that makes you slow down, look around, and fully appreciate how wild it is that this place has been standing here for centuries. read more

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Breathtaking cathedral that was built without cranes so very long ago. It's amazing and spans several streets wide. Even if the online tickets are sold out you should still be able to buy tix across the way at the ticket place inside the Duomo museum. read more

The cathedral is one of the main attractions in Milan, so it's a must. It is a sight to behold. Construction began in 1386 and it was finally completed in 1965. We purchased the combo lift ticket, which included the interior of the Duomo, terraces, Duomo Museum, and Church of San Gottardo. We ended up not going to the museum or church as we didn't know they were separate buildings. The rooftop lift is small and only fits a few people. The terraces were extensive. From up there, you can admire some of the 135 spires that make up the cathedral. You can also sit on the slanted roof to take in the views of the city. There is no lift to go down, so be prepared for lots of narrow stairs. We then walked around the interior of the cathedral. The stained glass was nice, but I couldn't help but compare it to Sagrada Família. Be aware that there is a dress code- shoulders and knees must be covered. I think it doesn't matter if you're only going on the terrace, but I saw people covered up inside the cathedral. read more

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A few of my favorite games had areas based on this place so I really wanted to check it out. Honestly, it's one of the most amazing piece of art in terms of a building being the art I've ever seen. I don't understand how they were able to make things like the Duomo which are so grand with most buildings today seeming so generic. This is a large cathedral l and you can even go to the top. Ton of people in the top, but amazing views. I think this is easily one of the best places I've visited in Europe and highly suggest checking it out. read more

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Truly, as soon as I set eyes on this beautiful Cathedral I was awe-strucked! No words to describe the sheer size and beauty of it. A wonderful experience to behold. read more

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Date of visit: May 25, 2025 We visited because this is one the the Must See places in Milan, but we all came away a bit underwhelmed. Not that the building isn't grand (it is) or that the stained glass is not impressive (it is) but that it struggles to be both a tourist site as well as a working church. The museum has a number of old artifacts in relatively good shape still, but there is not much in terms of information on the items to tell me why I am looking at them. I can appreciate their age, but just because something is old and has survived the ravages of time does not necessarily mean it is important or noteworthy. The archaeological site in the basement is of passing interest as well, but again, nothing remarkable. If you're not overly religious and/or short on time, you could probably appreciate the building enough from the outside without navigating through the numerous ticket options to gain entrance to Il Duomo and its museum. read more

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Gorgeous...and you can attend Mass for free. To go to the rooftop, you can buy a ticket and as an add-on, get a tour of the inside of this cathedral. read more

Duomo di Milano (Milan's Cathedral) is a must see and the highlight of any visit to Milan. This Gothic architectural marvel will take your breath away with its detailed facade, and massive stained glass windows. It's one of the largest churches in the world and one will be in total awe after setting foot inside the cathedral. Tickets to visit can be purchased online or at the ticket counter. Fearing crowds and eager to take in this magnificent site, I purchased a fast track ticket to the rooftop (30 Euros = $32 USD) which provided entry to the inside as well. A quick elevator ride to the top provided me with panoramic views of the city and beautiful spots from where I could take some pictures. It's worth mentioning that even though there is an elevator ride to the rooftop, there were about an additional 100 stairs on the roof that one had to traverse leading to the exit to the interior of the cathedral. I lost count of how many further steps one had to take to go down, as there was no elevator option. Overall I enjoyed visiting this cathedral and bypassing the throngs of tourists. At night the plaza in front of the cathedral comes alive with dancing, singing and other merriment. read more

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A stunning manifestation of human talent! The Duomo Milan was a short, 7-min walk from hotel and the first stop for must visitors. I was able to secure tickets for entry, in addition to the rooftop experience, right on the spot. read more

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The Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, is the cathedral church of Milan, which is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Archbishop Mario Delpini. The cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete, and it is the largest church in Italy, also the fifth largest Christian church in the world. It has convenient public transportation nearby, and attracts tourists from all over the places. Advance tickets are highly recommend, so you can save time and get in the faster line. Visiting during the morning times are also recommended if you generally try to avoid the vast amount of people surrounding you. Be prepared to climb the stairs in the narrow space if you're going up to the terraces, elevators are not really necessary, as there are two layers of stairs you'll need to go through anyway. You can either go to the terrace first and then visit inside the church or reverse the order. There's also the archaeological area in the basement worth exploring if you have time. read more

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We took a guided tour including the terraces which was great. We got alot of history and stories. This cathedral was built for the Virgin Mary. The views from the terraces are amazing so don't skip that unless you have walking issues. The 2 hrs was a good amount of time for us but if you want to spend more time inside would recommend just getting a skip the line ticket and go on your own. The Piazza is pretty with shops and cafes to enjoy. read more

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The Duomo, one of the largest gothic cathedral was fascinating. If you do decide to go, choose to have a guide to best inform yourself of the history aside from reading. read more

Duomo di Milano - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milan, Michigan

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Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) is a gorgeous and massive Gothic cathedral in Milan, Italy. It is known for its stunning architecture, vast scale, and intricate details - absolutely gorgeous stained-glass windows, statues, and hundreds of gargoyles. Rooftop terrace provides breathtaking views of Milan, but you'll have to purchase additional tickets in addition to the entry tickets to view the museum and rooftop. They're open 9am-7pm. There is also a dress code to keep shoulders and knees covered (they'll provide you a coverup if you're not. read more

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It had nice views- we didn't realize only an evaluator up but not back down. ( until we were at the top already) Plz beware if you have any concerns. ( or maybe you can ask prior but not sure maybe available if for any special circumstances perhaps) While we were walking around on the top level- we found another staircase to go higher to another rooftop higher- which we didn't realize until we merged in that line. The views were all very pretty and we took some good photos. Enjoy read more

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Beautiful cathedral. The walk up was brutal and while the roof is gorgeous there was a lot of construction obstruction our view. And it was PACKED. Took 30 - 40 min to get down. Don't think I would go up again but would visit the inside of the church. read more

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One of the prettiest duomo in my opinion. We were in Milan for the day and it was raining non stop. The Duomo was such a beautiful sight. There was a huge line outside to get in. We tried to buy the tickets online using their QR code but none of us could get it to work. We finally found the ticket office across the street but there was a massive line there too. We gave up going inside and just appreciated its beauty from outside. We will have to come back another time. read more

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Since this is basically the number one tourist destination in Milan, there's not a lot that hasn't already been said. Certainly worth checking out for historical, architectural, cultural, religious reasons or pure curiosity! Tickets: there are about half a dozen options for tickets on their website duomomilano.it. There are other 3rd party resellers but why pay an upcharge when you can go directly to the source? Some options include Duomo (and duomo museum) only, rooftop only, Duomo and rooftop with either walk up or elevator, Duomo and Ambrosiana (another museum/library with some artwork by Italian and Dutch masters, and St. Sepolcro crypt). They don't give many descriptions of what's what, so do a little google research to determine what works best for you. All are timed entries though if you come within the 15 minutes give or take that seems to be fine. Audioguide and walking tours are separate. Entry to the Duomo lines up to the right hand side of the building (facing it from the main piazza), if you didn't buy tickets in advance the ticket window is next to the entry line too. Def recommend getting there early if possible, or later toward evening to avoid the most crowded times, though the lines move fairly steadily. If you go up to the roof, the roof entry is different--around the left side of the cathedral. The stairs--in the form of a spiral stone staircase inside a stone stairwell--are fine if you're in moderate physical condition, though elevator is faster. For stairs it took about 10 minutes to climb to the top at a steady pace with a couple short pauses. The views are beautiful even with the ongoing renovation, you can see for miles around on a clear day. Note that the access to the rooftop is directional, meaning once you walk past the initial section of spires/flying buttresses and ascend to the roof proper, then you can't go backwards. Same once you descend from the roof. Understandable since the stairways up and down are narrow so they need to keep the flow of traffic moving. Inside the cathedral I was surprised to see they let tourists freely walking around the outer perimeter of the central pew area during Sunday Mass. I appreciated that they let visitors sit thru some of the Mass since it's not something I've done before in Italy. The main seating is cordoned off, but visitors can walk around and to the back of the cathedral for pictures, etc. The entry to the archaeological area is along the wall between the front entry and exit doorways. There is a sign and attendant checking tickets. The open area under the church is small but cool to see the remains of the refectory that used to stand in this location. The duomo museum has a separate entrance line and ticket office and is located in the Palazzo Reale which is next to the main duomo building. Ambrosiano and crypts are separately located a walkable distance 7-8 min away from the duomo. If you get the total package you can easily spend between 2.5-6+ hours between the different buildings and museums. read more

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Quite beautiful. A mandatory visit. Unless you've planned a shopping spree, Milan can be done in two days but the Duomo is not to be missed. Davvero bella. Una visita obbligatoria. A meno che non abbiate programmato una giornata di shopping sfrenato, Milano si può visitare in due giorni, ma il Duomo è imperdibile. read more

Duomo di Milano/ Milan Cathedral is absolutely stunning! This cathedral's construction took over 5 centuries, from 1386 to 1965. Duomo di Milano replaced what was St. Ambrose Basilica in 1075, when Basilica of St. Tecla was added on & destroyed by a fire. About 45 meters in height, 157 meters in length, & having the capacity for over 40,000 persons, Duomo di Milano is easily one of the largest cathedrals in the world! The structure was done in brick + covered in marble, with 5 naves in total, 40 ish pillars, and intersected with a transept, choir, & apse. The Gothic architecture of Duomo di Milano is really like no other. It incorporates a mix of both renaissance & gothic architectural styles, also holding more statues than any other building in the world. Immense history here. Really recommend stopping by and taking a look! read more

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Yeah, it's packed with tourists, but just GO. It's mind-blowing. Secure your tickets a month or two in advance and opt for the combo lift ticket which includes the elevator (unless of course you like the idea of 919 steps). Using the elevator, you will still climb roughly 200 steps, but it does make things easier. 600 years in the making, you will truly marvel at the many sights to be seen inside and out. read more

A truly spectacular cathedral! Those who follow my reviews know I love a great church... the Duomo di Milano is an experience. The tour is very much worth every penny... the stair-climbing would be tough for families with small children or anyone with issues of mobility. There is a separate tour just of the floor of the cathedral. A MUST see regardless of religious preference, it's breathtaking! read more

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This is a definitely a big tourist attraction and I can see why. Just the scale of it is worth the wait. The architecture is unbelievable on the outside, you could sit outside and stare at it all day and not see everything. It doesn't even look real as you approach it on the street. The grandiose nature on the inside is just as unreal. It is not as ornate as some other churches I have seen, but the scale is remarkable and I can only image that mass with the acoustics would be so powerful. Traveler tips: you have to buy tickets. For the full experience get one combo for the museum and the church and add on the roof top terraces. You will actually walk on the roof of the church and see all the city views unobstructed (this would never fly in the USA it's amazing). Buy tickets online ahead of time, otherwise you will have to wait in line at the museum which can take a bit of time. For the rooftop you have to buy for a certain time, then plan your trip backwards. I recommend doing the museum then walking over and doing the rooftop (choose to do the stairs instead of the elevator, it's a cool experience and the line is much shorter, it's approx 200 stairs). You will end the roof top experience inside the cathedral and then you can show your ticket and walk the floor for as long as you like. The tickets for all three parts were 24€pp. read more

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One cannot say that they've truly experienced the best of Milan without visiting Duomo. It is breathtakingly gorgeous from the inside out. I can't even count how many times my jaw dropped after gazing at this beauty. Duomo di Milano is the third largest cathedral in the world and it took almost 6,000 years to build. When you're inside of the cathedral examining all of the intricate details, you'll quickly understand why it took so long to perfect. While in Milan, I made it a point to visit Duomo as much as I could. There is always something going on in Duomo Square, and the architecture is just so astonishing to see. Of course, my favorite part about visiting Duomo was taking part in a guided tour of the inside. The tour really made all of the difference when it came to learning about the many different statues and notable landmarks that are inside. Also, booking the tour in advance allowed our group to skip the ridiculously long lines and saved us a ton of waiting time. You should also note that knees and shoulders must be covered (and hats removed) while you're inside of the Cathedral. I loved admiring the unique sculptures, colorful stained glass, intricate ceiling details, beautiful paintings and the grand facade. Being able to sit on the pews and take it all in is such an amazing experience. I also hit the jackpot with my tour guide. She was so passionate, informative, and enlightening during our tour. I also must mention that Duomo is friggin' STUNNING at night!!! That glow is something serious. It's also was less crowded at night, especially when it's raining outside. It's definitely busy and there will be crowds. As long as you are aware of your surroundings, you'll be fine. They had a beautiful celebration in Duomo Square during May Day which was so wonderful to experience. So many picture taking opportunities here too. Truly a once in a lifetime experience, but this is something that it worth seeing way more than once. read more

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A must see when in Milan, Italy. Great views from everywhere. A bit crowded on the weekends with tourists from everywhere, but not bad during the weekdays. Enjoyed the rooftop tour and the tour inside. read more

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The majesty of St. Mary. All you can do is look up and bow down ~ overpowered with the awesome architecture, you stop and stare with jaw dropping awe. Huge ~ the seating capacity of (two) PDX Providence Park Stadium! YouTube, Google, Yelp pics do not do this basilica justice. A must see in Milan. The first stone laid in 1386, the Duomo has endured history taking over 500 years to build. Staying at the next door Straf hotel we witnessed unending busyness from the markets & retailers surrounding the cathedral day & night. Arguably the metro center of life of the city. read more

Duomo di Milano - Cathedral front. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milan, Michigan

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Stunning views, beautiful architecture and so fascinating. The Duomo rooftop is a sight to behold. A definite must see in Milan. Advise you to get tickets beforehand online for the rooftop only visit. You can climb the stairs up and down or elevator up and stairs down. I chose elevator and stairs! There are guided tours. I enjoyed walking about myself, and just absorbing the views. On a nice sunny day it was a nice getaway from reality. Go check it out! read more

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We pre-purchased fast track pass with lift access tickets so that we could skip the line and take the elevator up to the terraces. Our ticket time was for Thursday morning at 10am which was nice because it was not so crowded and we avoided the afternoon heat. The architecture is absolutely stunning and the views from the terraces are incredible. Highly recommend making time to see this beautiful historical landmark. read more

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Amongst these thousands of reviews for this iconic structure, it's doubtful many will find mine. But here it goes for what it's worth. I'll give you a unique perspective. My wife and I have visited thousands of churches in 80 countries over the past five decades. Our top two favorite have been St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. But on a sunny summer morning in Milan, we walked into Duomo di Milano. Our minds were blown! It was worth the price of admission and far beyond a typical tourist stop. Its exterior is incredibly recognizable for its majestic and dramatic spires. But it was the interior vastness of this mighty structure, the magnitude, the scale of the building that left an indelible image. The architecture is stunning, and everything is gorgeous from the flooring to the stained glass. This dethroned La Sagrada as our second favorite church in the world. If you pay extra to access the rooftop, the view of downtown Milan makes for excellent photos. More importantly, the details of the spires and upper reaches of the structure up close are worth the effort! read more

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Couldnt come to Milan without visiting Duomo. It in a central area of Milan with lots of shopping and restaurants nearby. I came in the afternoon on a Friday to get a few pics from the outside and it didnt disappoint. Its beautiful and its kool to just stand around a people watch in that area. I didnt go inside but I look forward to going inside next time. The only con is the area is really difficult to get taxi's in. After a while, I ended up just calling an uber. Its more expensive than a taxi but still cheaper than ubers in the US. read more

Duomo di Milano - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milan, Michigan