Should you find yourself in Milan, for the Expo 2015, a trade fair or a good old shopping trip, remember to look up. Tear yourself away from the covetable handbags, the gelato, your negroni and look way, way up: to the roof of the city. For you could stand on top of it.
The Duomo of Milan was first commissioned in 1386 and is dedicated to the St Mary of the Nativity. It took no less than 6 centuries to complete. When the local Milanese speak of the "Fabrica del Dom", they are referring to a seemingly never-ending litany... Indeed, when we first arrived here four years ago large parts of it were shrouded in scaffolding for refurbishment, but it was all for a good cause: now that the Expo is here the works are finished and so, if you do find yourself in Milan, you simply have to go up there. I'll let the photos convince you of this.
(Scroll all the way down for practical info on admission times, etc.)
(Scroll all the way down for practical info on admission times, etc.)
Visiting the Duomo of Milan | Practical Information & Tips
Price
For 13€ you can zip up to the top of the Duomo of Milan in a lovely, comfortable lift. For €8 you could drag yourself up all 165 steps (can you tell which I would recommend?).
Opening Times
9:00 to 23:00 daily (this may change once the Expo is over).
Top Tips
For 13€ you can zip up to the top of the Duomo of Milan in a lovely, comfortable lift. For €8 you could drag yourself up all 165 steps (can you tell which I would recommend?).
Opening Times
9:00 to 23:00 daily (this may change once the Expo is over).
Top Tips
- Pick a crystal-clear day, preferably with at least some wind, to make the most of the views.
- Make your way up 30 minutes before sunset to witness some spectacular changes in the scenery.
- Arm yourself with plenty of patience and a thick skin - the walkways are narrow and everyone is up there to get the best shots, so elbows are sharp and tempers short.
- Taking small children up to the roof is totally fine - our toddler loved all the arches - but you do of course have to keep a very close eye on them.
Come say hello: