One of the largest and most intricate Gothic cathedrals in the world, the Duomo di Milano is a standout sight in the city of Milan. The Duomo Milan’s spires soar 45 meters into the city skyline, and you’ll see the cathedral’s distinctive shape from afar. But where is the Duomo di Milano located exactly? And how can you get there with ease? Here you’ll find all you need to know about how to get to the Duomo di Milano.
The Duomo di Milano is located in Piazza del Duomo, the main city square of Milan. The Piazza stands at the heart of the historic center of the city, surrounded by stunning architecture and cultural treasures.
The Piazza del Duomo marks the heart of the city because it’s where the Duomo di Milano is located. Here you’ll find the most important history, art, and culture of Milan.
Galleria Vittoria Emmanuele II, right next to the Duomo, is Italy’s oldest active shopping arcade. Enjoy its stylish shopping and chic eateries on your walk to Teatro all Scala, probably the most famous opera house in the world. Visit the museum at Teatro Alla Scala, take a guided tour, or even treat yourself to a performance.
For a cultural and artistic feast, combine the Duomo Milan, Teatro alla Scala, and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in one blockbuster ticket.
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When was the Duomo di Milano built?
Milan’s cathedral was around 600 years in the making. Construction began in 1386 in a largely French Gothic style. Over the centuries, many architects, artists, and artisans contributed to the design of the building.
Constructing the Duomo di Milano was not always a smooth process. Interruptions were caused by the Black Death, and by financial difficulties. While the main structure was largely completed by the late 16th century, the building ceased once again when Napoleon arrived in Milan in the early 19th century. Then, the Duomo was used as stables by French troops, and many statues and decorations were damaged or destroyed.
There was a rush to complete the facade before Napoleon was crowned King of Italy in 1805, but the Duomo Milan was not considered fully finished until 1965.
So the answer to the question, when was the Duomo Milan built? is a complicated one. Was it 1805, when Napoleon was crowned? Was it 1965, when the bronze door at the base of the right apse was inaugurated? Or the late 16th century, when the main structure was largely completed?
To see the Duomo di Milano in its full glory, choose a Fast Track entry ticket to the Duomo di Milano, Rooftops & Duomo Museum. The museum is sure to have several answers to the question, when was the Duomo Milan built?
🚊 Where is the Duomo di Milano located by Metro?
Milan is a big city with a large Metro network. Azienda Trasporti Milanesi operates the Metro, trams, and buses in the city, and this integrated transport network is all you need to get around.
There are five Metro lines, numbered from M1 to M5. The lines are color-coded which makes it easier to find your way around. The nearest station to the Duomo di Milano, helpfully called Duomo, is on lines M1 (red) and M3 (yellow).
Download the ATM Milano Official App and you can research routes, plan journeys and buy ordinary, daily, and carnet tickets. On Metro and surface train lines, you can use your bank card for contactless payment.
You can buy tickets for all of Milan’s public transport from automated ticket machines inside the subway. They’re also available from authorized sellers such as newspaper stands and tobacco kiosks inside the underground. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes on the metro, buses, and trams after you’ve stamped them. A standard one-way ticket is valid in three zones which cover all the major attractions.
While Milan isn’t a particularly compact city, there are plenty of attractions from which you can walk to the Duomo Milan. Maps and GPS will help, but you can also look out for the cathedral’s lofty spires.
Teatro Alla Scala sits just at the other end of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from the Duomo Milan. Sforzesco Castle is about 15 minutes’ walk away. And Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, is about a mile or 20 minutes’ walk away.
If you want to see the best of the capital of Lombardy on foot, choose a Skip the Line Ticket + Walking Tour for The Last Supper, Cathedral & Sforza Castle.
🚌 Where is the Duomo di Milano located by bus?
Bus routes cover great swathes of Milan but buses are generally less convenient, and slower than traveling by Metro or tram. While buses can be handy for traveling between local neighborhoods outside the center, they’ll rarely be the best route to the Duomo di Milano.
For a better passenger’s view of the city, take the Milano Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off tour included in the Milan City Pass Zani Viaggi ticket.
🚋 Where is the Duomo di Milano located by tram?
Many of Milan’s tram lines run across the city center, from one outer district to another. They can be useful for short trips in the city’s historic center, and the nearest tram stop to the Duomo di Milano is Cordusio M1.
Remember that Milan’s trams run later than the Metro and buses, so they’re good to know about for nights out.
