Making Sense of Milan Cathedral Ticket Packages (Duomo di Milano)
Duomo di Milano is probably the first thing you come across when looking for things to do in Milan and it’s probably the first thing you SHOULD DO during your stay in Milan! It’s an absolute must to see this marvel in person, however, getting tickets can get a little confusing with the immense amount of combo options available. This guide will clear out the confusion and simplify the process so you can determine which ticket options are best for you.
Getting Tickets at the Gate
You can buy tickets at the entrance, but the Duomo has many different areas with different levels of access, so you should definitely figure out what ticket package you want before you arrive at the gate. If you purchase your tickets online and print them off, you’ll be able to go ahead of the crowd buying tickets at the gate.
Explaining what all the duomo has to offer
There are 9 different ticket options available on the duomo website which are various combinations of the following.
Access to:
Inside the Duomo
Entrance to the inside of the church where you can view the nave, apse and aisles with massive marble pillars and stellar statues.
Terraces (Rooftop)
There are 3 basic sections of the rooftop where you can see a great view of the city as well as a closeup look at the ornate spires and statues including the famous golden Madonnina at the top of the tallest spire.
Archeological Area
The is a staircase near the front of the duomo that leads down to what is referred to as the Archeological Area. There were very old structures that were demolished to make way for the building of Duomo di Milano. Here you can view the remnants of these structures including the baptismal where St. Ambrose baptized St. Augustine and welcomed him into the Catholic church.
Scurolo di San Carlo (Chapel of St. Charles)
The 17th-century octagonal chapel containing the crystal and silver casket of Saint Charles Borromeo.
You can also gain access to attractions apart from the duomo through duomo ticket packages on its official website including:
Cathedral Museum
Located just across the street from the Duomo, you can find displays regarding the history and building of the duomo.
Church of San Gottardo
A church that was built in 1336 AD and features an octagonal bell tower.
Ambrosian Library
A wonderful art gallery featuring paintings from Raphael, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Titian and features the largest collection of Leonardo Da Vinci’s drawings known as the Codex Atlanticus.
Crypt of San Sepolcro
The lower level of a 1000-year-old church that was built on top of a Roman forum from 400 AD.
Additional Ticket Options to Consider:
Skip the Line
This addition is to skip the line for the elevator only.
Elevator Access
The elevator takes you to the 1st level of the terraces. Note that you do not take the elevator down, you will have to take the stairs down on the other side of the terraces.
2 Things to Consider in Choosing Your Ticket Package
1. Skip the Line Fastrack Pass
This only applies to skipping the line to the elevator. If you buy a ticket online, you already get to skip the line of those purchasing tickets at the gate, but everyone has to go through a security search, which inevitably creates another line in which you’ll have to wait. I did not purchase the Skip the Line Pass, because I did not take the elevator.
2. Elevator Ride
Taking the elevator allows you to skip the 250-step stairway to the terraces, however, there is a short staircase up to the 2nd level that you will have to take and you are required to descend the stairs down upon exiting the terraces.
The ticket package that we chose
Combo Stairs + Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Which gives access to:
Cathedral
Archeological Area
Terraces (No elevator)
Cathedral Museum
Church of San Gottardo
Ambrosian Library
Crypt of San Sepolcro
Buying Tickets for Duomo
Tickets: https://ticket.duomomilano.it/categoria/biglietti/
Important Information For Planning Your Trip
When you select a ticket package, you will be prompted to pick a date and time for your ticket.
The time you select for your ticket determines what time you have access to the terraces.
The ticket is valid for 3 days starting on the date you select.
It’s important to note that the Duomo, the Ambrosian Library and the Crypt of San Sepolcro are all closed on Wednesdays. Be aware of this when planning your stay in Milan.
