Magnificent Milan Cathedral Rooftop: A Breathtaking Walk

One of the most memorable things I did while in Milan is spend an hour walking on Milan Cathedral rooftop. Wonderful is too small a word to describe it. I think it was purely magical because once I got off Milan Cathedral rooftop walk felt like a dream!

The only proofs I have about my walk are the photographs. Sharing some pictures from Milan Cathedral rooftop with you all.

How else do I describe! Surrounded by angels, 3200 in all, the immediate effect it had on me was ‘silencing’. Luckily the weather was good, and I took photographs to my heart’s content.

Then I spent some time just sitting there, simply gazing at the angels. Seeing the spires and statues up close was amazing.

Why Duomo di Milano Rooftop Terrace is world famous?

The rooftop terrace of the Duomo di Milano is renowned for several reasons. First and foremost, it holds great historical significance as it was greatly influenced and worked on by the legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the terrace, enhancing its allure and cultural value.

The terrace of Duomo di Milano Rooftop is distinguished by its impressive panelled and intricately carved marble façade, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The meticulous attention to detail in the carvings adds to the artistic grandeur of the structure, captivating visitors with its beauty.

Spanning a vast area, I found the Milan Duomo Terrace to be a treasure trove of architectural wonders. It houses a myriad of gargoyles, statues, spires, and other stone carvings, creating a visually stunning panorama. The sheer number of sculptures and spires exceeds three thousand, making it a veritable outdoor gallery that amazes and fascinates onlookers.

What sets the rooftop terrace of Milan Cathedral apart from many other cathedrals in Europe is its accessibility to the public. Unlike most European churches, which restrict access to their rooftops, the Milano Cathedral allows visitors to ascend and explore this unique vantage point. This rare opportunity provides an unparalleled experience, allowing us to marvel at the breathtaking view of the piazza and the cityscape below.

Milan Duomo Rooftop Stairs

You have to tickets to get to Milan Cathedral roof top. It is not free.

There are 2 ways to get to Duomo rooftop. One is to take the elevator to top for some Euros. The advantage is you save on time and breath. Second option is to to take rooftop stairs.

There is an elevator which takes you to rooftop. If you are energetic or feel like saving some Euros take the staircase. We took the lift.

I have read there are 250 steps to rooftop in some sites and 170 steps in some. Some sites mention 919 steps to rooftop which include 500 stairs to main spire, 261 stairs to tyburium and 158 stairs to roof.

There are two levels on the roof top, take 40 steps more to climb to second level from the first one. It is rewarding taking the walk through both the levels observing the constructional details and sculpted images.

Walking on Milan Cathedral Rooftop

Milan Cathedral Rooftop Walk: Unveiling the Splendor of the Duomo

Frankly I found the rooftop more charming than the interior of the duomo. Spending time and money for
visiting the Duomo Milan was totally worth it.

Tall towers are placed along the edge of the roof of the cathedral as if forming a crown to Milan Cathedral. These towers of Milan Duomo Terrace add grace and each of them is decorated with angels and ornaments. Milan Cathedral has the most number of such towers in world.

On a clear day you can see Alps from the rooftop and also Milan’s tallest skyscraper and the bombastic train station, Stazione Centrale.

Is the climb to Milan Cathedral rooftop worth it?

The Milan Cathedral rooftop is undeniably worth a visit. The ascent to the rooftop is not overly demanding, allowing visitors to comfortably reach the top. Once there, the view that awaits is truly breathtaking. From this elevated vantage point, one can marvel at the majestic Duomo itself, observing its intricate details up close.

The proximity to the structure and sculptures is awe-inspiring, creating a sense of wonder and appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. These sculptures tell stories of faith!

Captivating Views: Exploring Milan from Above

Moreover, the panoramic view of Milan from the Duomo terraces is simply stunning. Gazing out over the city, visitors are treated to a sweeping vista that showcases the urban landscape in all its splendor. The unique perspective offered from this height allows for a comprehensive view of Milan’s architectural wonders and bustling streets making it an excellent Milan viewpoint.

Ascending to the Rooftop during Sunset

The experience is further enhanced by the magical lighting that bathes the rooftop during sunset. As the sun descends, casting its warm hues across the surroundings, the beauty of the Duomo and the entire cityscape becomes even more enchanting. It is a moment that lingers in the memory and leaves a lasting impression.

Tips for Milan Cathedral Rooftop Walk and Photography

• The surface of rooftop is uneven, so some caution is required, watch where you step.
• The rooftop is at dizzying heights, nevertheless it is fully safe and a strong wire mesh will prevent your fall under all conditions.
• If you are with kids, please attend to them on priority, the angels can wait.
• Wear stiletto heels at your own risk.
• Visit during twilight hours to get good colorful skies as background.
• Charge your mobiles well and see that you have ample memory space in your camera and mobiles.
• If you’re running short on time prioritise a first visit to the rooftop
• If you are visiting for the second time (which I hope I will someday) prioritise visiting the rooftop over venturing into the cathedral itself for a second time

Madonnina Statue

Below is the picture of the gilded copper statue of Madonnina, (representing the Virgin Mary) the city’s traditional protector which crowns this Gothic splendor. Madonnina statue was designed and built by Carlo Pellicani in 1774. It is a 14 m tall statue covered with 3900 pieces of gold leaf.

With the construction of the Main Spire, the Duomo acquired a height of 108.5 m. Since then a custom was established in Milan that no building could exceed the Madonnina in height, as a sign of respect.

As a result, it influenced the architectural plans of notable structures such as the Branca and Velasca towers, which were modified to adhere to this norm.

Madonnina statue on Milan Cathedral Rooftop

A notable example of this tradition can be observed in the design of the Pirelli skyscraper, affectionately known as the Pirellone. Standing tall at 127 meters, architect Gio Ponti paid homage to the Madonnina by including a replica of the statue at the pinnacle of the building. This act served as a symbolic gesture, reinforcing the city’s devotion to its cultural heritage.

Even in contemporary times, this custom remains alive. For instance, atop the Palazzo Lombardia, the official headquarters of the Lombardy Region, a copy of the Madonnina can be found, perched at a dizzying height of 161 meters.

Similarly, any building that surpasses the Madonnina’s stature also features a replica of the iconic statue, serving as a reminder of the enduring significance of this longstanding tradition.

The Duomo Rooftop, what to see?

Here is a short guide for the Milan Cathedral Rooftop walk.

• Duomo lantern is octagonal
• There are 8 spires over the apse
• 24 spires on the North walkway
• 24 on the South walkway, arranged in 3 rows of 8 (Eight: the number of the infinite.)
• Saints are naturally among the major protagonists on the Terrace
• Saint Victor, on spire on the façade, one of the saints dearest to the Milanese, protector of prisoners and exiles
• Apsidal spires: Saint George can be identified, positioned on the north side on top of the Cathedral’s first spire the Carelli spire. The name is in memory of Marco Carelli, a well-known Milanese merchant who was one of the Cathedral’s greatest benefactors
• Many of the Duomo statues do not represent a specific saint, martyr, or biblical figure. Eg. The spire over the southern walkway is well known as the Spire of the anonymous, or the Spire of the Milanese people.

Tickets to Milan Duomo Rooftop Walk

The entry to rooftop of Milan Cathedral is not free! If you are lucky you will find no queue, but in peak seasons the place has a huge crowd and long queue. You can book your tickets online and avoid all hassles.

You can skip visit to Milan Duomo and just visit the rooftop.  There are 2 ticket plans: one for entry through stairs and other for entry through lift.

Terraces by Stairs Ticket costs €9.50 for adults and for Children 6-12: €5

Access to terraces by Lift Ticket €13.50 for adults and for Children 6-12: €7.50

Timings for Rooftop Terrace

The rooftop access is one hour after the cathedral opens. It is from 9 AM to 7 PM

Where to find Milan best view?

Where else, but from Milan Duomo’ terraces!

What is the dress code for the Duomo in Milan?

Modest attire is must when visiting the Duomo Milano. Bare shoulders and above the knee length dresses and shorts are a big no.

What is the best time to visit Milan duoma rooftop?

It’s busier on weekends and during school holidays. There is a rush for rooftop during twilight hours, so advance online booking is advisable. During peak of winter, and if it snows then it adds a special charm to the Duomo di Milano Cathedral rooftop.

Mark Twain on Milan Cathedral

Allow me to quote Mark Twain’s lines on this glorious sight of Milan Cathedral’s rooftop.

What a wonder it is!
So grand, so solemn, so vast!
And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful!
A very world of solid weight, and yet it seems
In the soft moonlight only a fairy delusion of frost-work
That might vanish with a breath!
How sharply its pinnacled angles
And its wilderness of spires were cut against the sky,
And how richly their shadows fell upon its snowy roof!
It was a vision! — a miracle! —
An anthem sung in stone, a poem wrought in marble!”

– Mark Twain

Parting Thoughts

As I descended from the Milan Cathedral rooftop I felt like a dream was fading away. The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the intricate sculptures to the breathtaking views of Milan, every moment on that rooftop felt like a cherished gift. I couldn’t help but reflect on the centuries of history and artistry that had shaped this magnificent place.

In this pursuit of exploration, I uncovered the most profound connections between architecture, culture, and my own sense of wonder. The Milan Cathedral rooftop walk had allowed me to immerse myself in the beauty of Milan from a unique perspective!

You may like these:

• Aachen Cathedral Germany
• Highlights of Florence Cathedral
• Highlights of St Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna

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