Milan flights and travel guide

Duomo (Cathedral)

The looming Duomo, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, presides over the Piazza that bears its name. Its construction began in 1386 and continued sporadically until Napoleon ordered its completion in 1809. Its lengthy creation bestowed on it 3,400 statues, 135 spires and 96 gargoyles. It is best visited in full sunshine when the interior is illuminated by the colourful mosaic of its stained glass windows. The church is a five-aisled cruciform seating 40,000 worshippers. The 16th-century marble tomb of Giacomo de Medici lies in the south transept and lying buried at its heart is St Charles Borromeo, the cathedral's most important benefactor. Every year in May and September a nail from the cross of Christ is displayed to worshippers and is retrieved from its resting place by the bishop who is hoisted to the nivola to reach it. Across the piazza in the Palazzo Reale is the Museo del Duomo that displays the treasures from the cathedral. It also houses the Museo d'Arte Contomporanea, showcasing a collection of Italian Futurist art.

Address: Piazza del Duomo 18

Telephone: (02) 8646 3456

Opening time: Daily 7am to 7pm. The dome is open from 9am daily, closing between 5pm and 6.30pm depending on the season. Treasury: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm (Saturday until 5pm), Sunday 1.30pm to 4pm.

Admission: Free (Cathedral); EUR1 (Treasury); EUR6 (terrace by lifts); EUR4 (terrace by stairs); admission including the museum is EUR8