As with all amazing tourist attractions, there are moments of awe and some not-so-awesome moments. I experienced both on a recent visit to the Duomo di Milano.
Duomo di Milano
When you’re in Milan, take the metro to Piazza del Duomo. As you walk up the steps you’ll see it before you reach the top of the stairway. My first thought upon seeing the Duomo was, “Holy shit!” It’s an architectural masterpiece.
The Duomo is the center of a hive of activity: Tourists with their cameras and umbrellas; musicians busking in the shadow of the Duomo; businessmen and women hurrying by oblivious to the beauty around them; and those nasty pigeons that seem to flock everywhere there are crowds.
The Duomo was conceived to be the largest church in the world and took centuries to complete. There are over 135 spires, 95 gargoyles, and 3,159 statues illustrating stories from the Bible, the construction of the Duomo, and the history of Milan. You could study this church for a lifetime. If you’re like me, your eyes will never rest for more than thirty seconds on any one detail— instead darting from one scene to the next trying (unsuccessfully) to make sense of it all.
What about the inside of the Duomo? Meh. I’ve been inside a lot of churches in Italy (churches being one of my favorite forms of architectural and artistic expression), and the inside of the Duomo is dark and dank —depressing really—quite a contradiction to the extravagant exterior.
There are a couple of tables set up as stand-in altars for those who wish to light a candle, and scaffolding is everywhere. A lift is parked inside (the place is massive), and the glass pyramid gift shop just seems weird and distracting. I read that there are some important works of art inside, but I wasn’t motivated to seek them out. I wasn’t able to verify if there was a remodel happening but I think it’s safe to say that there was. I’m sure the Duomo looks very different today. This is my very subjective impression.
I am not a huge fan of religious art, therefore I rarely try to see all of the pieces that are supposed to be so fab…because in Italy, everything is fab! I just go for what I like, and I don’t like dark, so the minute I stepped inside, I was over it. Nevertheless, I forced myself to walk around and not just bolt. In my hurry to exit I forgot that the entrance for the lift to the top is inside. I do regret not doing that.
After a quick walk around the interior perimeter, I couldn’t wait to get back into the Italian sunlight and the drama in the piazza, one of the best people-watching spots in the world, dominated by one of the most impressive monuments to Christianity.
Tips For Visiting The Duomo
There is a strictly enforced dress code. No tank tops, shorts, short skirts, or dresses. I saw a young guy in a tank top turned away, and I was stopped for an inspection of my hemline (that was a first!).
Entrance is free for individuals, but there is a fee for groups.
Though there are a gazillion people and you think you’ll wait in line forever, it moves very quickly.
I paid two euros for a wristband that allowed me to take photographs. I’m not sure if they still charge for that.
You really must go to the rooftop. There are a variety of fees depending if you walk up the stairs, all 250 of them, or take the lift. There’s also a jump-the-line fee. Check out all the options here.
All materials copyright Penny Sadler 2013-2024. All rights reserved.
12 comments
I agree that compared to other churches and cathedrals I’ve seen in Italy, the inside is rather drab (and commercial), but still impressive. However, the exterior is what really grabs the attention – day or night. Walking on the rooftop was totally cool.
I think that’s a must next time I am there. I like the area around the Duomo in general, good energy!
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Dark, danky and under construction could be a school of religious art! It’s one out five or ten churches that actually impresses me, but you never which one that is going to be so you have to check them all.
http://www.gearupandplay.com/2013/06/holy-incomplete-unfinished-churches/
So true Jenny!
Now I’m even more curious about the “dark and danky” interior!
Haha, that’s funny. I’d say skip it and go to the top!
Thanks for the tips, especially your candor regarding the interior. “Dark and danky” is NOT a religious experience for me either!
hehe, dark and danky is a Pennyism. 🙂 Definitely wouldn’t go back for the interior though. I would however like to go to the top!
Great tips, and I appreciate your candor regarding the interior. Sometimes we feel we’re obligated to like these places because they’re religious. But “dark and danky” is not a religious experience in my book!
You’re right – it’s easy to get blase after visiting too many churches, so it’s great when one really catches the attention
It’s a thinking man’s problem. LOL