Milan Cathedral, known as the Duomo, stands at the center of Milan, Italy, on ground that was once part of Roman Mediolanum. It is the largest church in the Italian Republic and the defining symbol of the city. Construction began in 1386 and the final details were finished in 1965.
Why it is worth the trip
The streets of central Milan radiate outward from the Duomo, so standing before it you feel the city's layout pointing to this one place. The Gothic exterior, built with stone from the Candoglia quarry, is crowned by the Madonnina, a polychrome statue on the spire at over 100 meters. Inside, you find a 16th-century organ, the 12th-century Trivulzio candelabrum, stained glass from the 1470s and Renaissance statues of saints and prophets in the octagonal cupola. Beneath the floor, a baptistery from 335 reaches back to the city's earliest Christian days.
The best time to go
Go early in the day, when the crowds are thinner, and aim for a clear day so you can see the exterior details and the Madonnina properly. Locals take a view of the Madonnina through Milan's frequent mist as a sign of good weather, so a bright morning suits the facade and the rooftop views well.
How long to allow
Allow a few hours to wander the interior, visit the baptistery, climb to the roof and take in the surrounding plazas. Give yourself longer if you want to linger over the artworks.
Getting there
The Duomo sits in the very center of Milan, and the city's streets radiate from it, so heading toward the middle of town will bring you to it.
What to book ahead
If you plan to climb to the roof or visit the baptistery, reserve ahead where you can, since these are popular parts of a visit. Booking in advance also helps you avoid long waits.
Nearby
Within the city center you can visit the Teatro alla Scala, Castello Sforzesco and the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. The Grande Museo del Duomo di Milano is also close by for more on the cathedral's story.