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The Duomo di Milano rooftop is one of the few cathedral terraces in Europe you can actually walk on, letting you see 135 marble spires, around 150 gargoyles and thousands of statues at eye level, with views over Milan and, on clear days, the Alps. There are two levels reached either by 256 steps or by lift, though everyone descends on foot and the upper terrace is stairs-only. It opens 9 AM to 7 PM with last admission at 6 PM, extended to 8 PM on selected summer dates. Allow 45 minutes to an hour on the terraces themselves.
The Milan Cathedral rooftop is listed among the highest accessible cathedral terraces in Europe. Almost 70 metres above the grounds of Milan, these terraces are spread across the cathedral’s marble roof. Instead of admiring the Gothic art from the grounds, the rooftops allow visitors to walk among its passageways and watch decorative carvings on its spires, almost at eye level.
Visiting the Milan Cathedral rooftop is a major highlight of the Duomo Complex, and for years it has been attracting visitors for its wide-angled views of Milan, as much as for its impressive architecture.
In this article, we will talk about the Milan Cathedral terraces, whether to access them by stairs or elevators, the best time to visit, and a few practical tips to help you plan your visit.
How to Access Milan Cathedral Rooftop Terraces?
Milan Cathedral Rooftop terraces can be accessed in two ways, either by stairs or by an elevator, each having its designated point. The option you use depends on the ticket you’ve purchased. Note that even if you opt for an elevator to climb to the rooftop level 1, while descending, every visitor has to opt for the staircase.
By Stairs
Visitors with a Milan Cathedral Rooftop Stairs ticket should use the Rooftop Stairs Entrance on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II side of the cathedral. This entrance is exclusively for staircase ticket holders and leads directly to the rooftop via a stone staircase. Visitors will have to climb a total of 251 steps for both terraces.
However, the second level of the rooftop is optional for visitors. If you wish to visit the upper terrace, you’ll be closer to the Madonnina and the cathedral’s highest spires. Since the entire route is on foot, the stairs ticket is a great option for visitors who don’t mind the climb and want a more budget-friendly way to reach the rooftop.
By Elevators
Visitors can also access the Duomo Milan Terrace by lift with one of two elevator entrances located on the North and South sides of the cathedral. The South elevator is often used by Fast-Track and priority-access ticket holders, offering quicker entry during busy periods.
Both lifts take visitors to the first rooftop of the Duomo Milan Cathedral. From there, everyone must climb a short flight of stairs to reach the second level of the terrace.
If you want to see where the different rooftop entrances are located within the complex, refer to our Milan Cathedral map before your visit.
Stairs or Elevator to Milan Cathedral Rooftop: Which One Is The Best For You?
Here is a quick guide to help you decide if you should take an elevator or stairs to the Milan Cathedral rooftop.
| Features | Rooftop Stairs | Rooftop Elevator |
| Entrance | Designated Rooftop stairs entrance | North or South Lift Entrance |
| Steps | 256 | None to the first level of terrace |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
| Time to Reach | 15 to 20 minutes | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Ticket Price | Budget-friendly & affordable | €4 more than a stairs ticket |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for visitors with mobility issues | Better for seniors and visitors who want to avoid climbing, |
| Views while climbing | Cathedral’s stone staircases, narrow passages, and detailed carving | Staircase experience is missed |
| Best For | Visitors on a budget, adults, teenagers, and couples. | Families with young children, seniors, visitors with limited mobility, pregnant women. |
What to see on the Milan Cathedral Rooftop?
Duomo di Milano rooftop terraces are spread across 1530 square meters and allow visitors to walk across the marble floors. Both sections of the rooftop, the upper terrace and the lower terrace, would let visitors admire the Gothic architecture from a totally different perspective, almost at eye level. Along with the centuries-old engineering features, the terraces let you enjoy some of the finest views in Milan.
Spires
The Milan Cathedral rooftop terrace is crowned by 135 marble spires, making it one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture not just in Italy, but in entire Europe. History says these spires were designed to draw the eye upward towards the heavens. At the end of each spire, you’ll see a carved pinnacle that supports statues of saints, angels, prophets, and other biblical figures.
Statues & Pinnacles
The cathedral is decorated with over 3,400 statues, many of which can be seen up close from the rooftop. Carelli Spire, located on the northern slope, is the cathedral’s oldest surviving spire. You’ll see exquisite craftsmanship on every pinnacle and spire, and to everyone’s surprise, no two elements are alike.
Gargoyles & Water Spouts
While you explore the terraces, you’ll come across around 150 gargoyles, each carved from Candoglia marble. These gargoyles are in the form of mythical creatures, dragons, animals, and expressive human faces.
They were designed with a practical purpose to channel rainwater away from the roof and marble walls and protect the cathedral from water damage and decay. These projecting carvings also serve as the water spouts of the rooftop of the Duomo Milan Cathedral, carrying rainwater away from the building through their open mouths.
Giants, Embrasures, Flying Buttresses
The rooftops also have 96 giants, embrasures, and flying buttresses. Giants are the enormous stones found on either side of the rooftop walkways. Between them, embrasures are located, which are openings in the marble parapets. They let light and air pass through and reduce the overall weight of the rooftop.
The cathedral’s flying buttresses are one of the most recognisable features of Gothic architecture. Buttresses are huge stone arches that allow the cathedral to rise higher while remaining structurally stable. All three of them play an important role in Gothic architecture, and standing beside them on the rooftop gives visitors a chance to look at the engineering that has supported the Duomo for over six centuries.
Madonnina Statue
The Madonnina statue stands at the highest point on the Duomo di Milano rooftop. It is the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary and has been overlooking the city of Milan for more than 250 years. This statue is perched at a height of 108.5 meters above the Milan grounds. The height of Madonnina is 4.16 meters, and it was installed in 1774. Even today, the statue remains a powerful symbol of protection and faith for its residents.
From the upper rooftop level, visitors can notice the statue from much closer than anywhere else in the city. On clear days, the Madonnina can be seen from several parts of Milan, and for centuries, no building in the city was allowed to rise higher than the statue as a mark of respect.
Views from the Milan Cathedral Rooftop
Duomo di Milano’s rooftop views are just amazing. From the terraces, visitors can spot landmarks such as Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle, and Milan’s skyline, including the towers of the Porta Nuova district.
On clear days, the view extends across the vast Po Valley to the snow-capped Alps on the northern horizon. For the best visibility, visit on a clear morning or after rainfall, when the air is cleaner and the mountain range is easier to see. As much as the architecture at the Duomo rooftop is detailed, the views are simpler and vast.
Milan Duomo Rooftop Levels
There are two Duomo rooftop levels, which are connected by Gothic stone staircases. Together, these rooftops rise approximately 75 metres above Piazza del Duomo, offering stretched views of Milan city. Each rooftop level lets visitors experience views and Gothic architecture in a different perspective.
Rooftop Level 1 – Lower Terraces
The first rooftop level is at a height of 31 meters, and this is where most begin their terrace exploration. After arriving by lift or climbing the stairs, visitors step onto the wide Candoglia marble walkways. You’ll spot the Duomo’s Gothic pinnacles, marble buttresses, giants, and marble statues at eye level, and panoramic views of the Milan skyline from this vantage point.
Rooftop Level 2 – Central Terrace
The second rooftop level is at a height of 45 meters and is reached by climbing two steep staircases from the first terrace. It is only slightly higher, but the difference in perspective is noticeable. The upper terrace offers one of the best viewpoints to notice Madonnina’s statue details, including the golden robes, the crown of 12 stars, and the golden finish that catches the sunlight.
Apart from this, you’ll also get a closer view of the central spire, which is the main one, the pinnacles of the spires, and even wider views of Milan city, along with the Alps on clear days. Note that the Central Terrace is not wheelchair accessible.
Visitors Information
Now that you know how to access the Duomo di Milano Rooftop, here’s everything you need to know about its opening hours, tour duration, and the best time to visit so you can plan your experience with ease.
Opening Hours of Rooftop
The rooftop is generally open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. The last ticket is issued at 5:50 PM, the last admission is at 6 PM, and visitors are asked to begin descending as closing procedures start at 6:30 PM.
On selected public holidays, long weekends, and summer dates, the rooftop remains open until 8 PM. During these days, the last ticket is issued at 6:50 PM, the last admission is at 7 PM, and closing procedures begin at 7:30 PM.
Note that during weather constraints, religious celebrations, or maintenance work, rooftop terraces may be closed. You can find the latest updates by visiting the Duomo di Milano official website.
Tour Duration
The Milan Cathedral Rooftop Tour lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour for both terraces. This excludes the time taken to climb up the rooftop terraces by either the stairs or the elevator. Those who are interested in photography and in learning architectural aspects of Duomo Milano can spend 1 hour to 1.5 hours on the rooftop.
Best time to visit the Milan Duomo Rooftop
The best time to visit the Milan Cathedral rooftop is during the morning hours when it opens at 9 AM. The temperatures are cooler, and the rooftop is generally less crowded, as the majority of the crowds would be exploring the cathedral interiors. During the summer season, the marble floors get heated up around 3 PM, so an early morning or evening visit is usually more comfortable.
But, if you are visiting for the views, plan your journey during late afternoon or sunset hours between 5 and 6 PM. This is when Milan gets covered in beautiful golden light. If you want to spot the Alps, check the weather forecast and visit on a clear day. If you are interested in seeing the Duomo after sunset as well, our guide to Milan Cathedral at night covers what to expect after dark.
Tips for visiting the Milan Cathedral Rooftop
- Avoid visiting the rooftop if you are a visitor with a fear of heights, vertigo, balance issues, or limited mobility, as you may find the narrow walkways and elevated viewpoints uncomfortable.
- Wear comfortable shoes and footwear if you are climbing the rooftop by stairs. The terraces have marble walkways, and wearing shoes with a good grip makes it easier to explore.
- Learn about wheelchair accessibility, as the rooftops are partially accessible. Only the lower rooftop terrace can be reached via wheelchair; the upper levels have to be accessed via stairs.
- For the best photos, stop near the Madonnina viewing area, where you can capture the cathedral’s marble spires up close and also spot Milan’s skyline.
- Plan your visit during late evening hours around 6 PM for the best Milan Cathedral rooftop sunset views.
- Follow the Milan Cathedral dress code and dress modestly, as the Duomo Rooftop is part of the cathedral and there are no changing facilities inside the cathedral premises.
- Visit the rooftop first to avoid the crowds, as most of the visitors explore the cathedral before heading to the terraces, so the interiors are calm by the time you come back.
- Don’t carry tripods, selfie sticks, drones, and other bulky photography equipment on the terraces as they are not permitted.
- Choose the elevator if you are visiting with kids instead of climbing the stairs. It is much better than climbing around 256 steps in total.
- The terraces and elevator may close temporarily during heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, so always check the official website for updates.
FAQS About Milan Cathedral Rooftop
1. What to see in the Milan Cathedral?
The Milan Cathedral has many details that you should not miss. Explore its rooftop terraces, which are accessible, spot the Statue of St. Bartholomew, visit the underground archaeological area that is well preserved, and look for the Holy Nail perched high above the main altar inside the cathedral.
2.Who is buried in the Duomo in Milan?
Archbishop Saint Charles Borromeo is buried in the Duomo of Milan. His remains are displayed in a rock-crystal and silver coffin in the Scurolo di San Carlo, also known as the underground crypt.
3. What to see at the Duomo in Milan?
Explore Duomo di Milano’s rooftop terraces, underground archaeological area, Duomo Museum, and the main cathedral interiors to make the most of your visit here. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance.
4. What is the Duomo in Milan famous for?
Everyone who leaves Milan Cathedral praises its rooftop terraces. Besides their accessible rooftop terraces, Duomo di Milano is also famous for its capacity for more than 40,000 people and its ranking as the largest Gothic cathedral in Italy and the 5th largest in the entire world.
5. What’s inside Duomo di Milano?
Milan Duomo bears a history traced back six centuries. It also contains 3000+ statues, 135 spires on the rooftop, sculptures, paintings, sundials, stained-glass windows, tapestries, architectural models, and terracotta casts.
6. Are there any tombs inside the Duomo in Milan?
Yes, the cathedral houses the tombs of founding leaders like Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Ottone Visconti, and Giovanni Visconti. Among them, Gian Galeazzo Visconti was the founder of the Duomo and the first Duke of Milan, and his tomb is located in the apse.