Duomo Florence vs. Duomo di Milano- Which Duomo Should You Visit?

Choosing between Duomo Florence and Duomo di Milano is like being asked to pick your favorite child.

Duomo Florence and Duomo di Milano are Ital’y iconic and top tourist destinations, each offering fantastic city views and architectural splendor.

Visitors going to Italy often wonder if visiting both the Duomos is worth their time and money.

It is also common for guests to feel confused about which Duomo they should visit if they can only visit one.

If you, too, cannot decide among one, this article is all you need to learn about the winner amidst the Duomo Florence vs Duomo di Milano banter.

Let us compare the two Duomos and consider their details to decide which is better.

Duomo Florence vs. Duomo Di Milano: Our Recommendation

It is nearly impossible to consider one superior to another when both Duomo Florence and Duomo di Milano are epitomes of architectural beauty and grace.

Therefore, we recommend visiting both, because why pick one when you can enjoy both?

Explore the Gothic architecture in the Duomo di Milano and head over to Duomo Florence to witness the beauty and brilliance of classic Renaissance architecture. 

But if you must still choose just one, read on to learn about the differences between the two and choose the one based on your preferences.

Best Tickets to Duomo di Milano and Duomo Florence

Duomo Florence vs Milan – Which is more popular?

The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, or the Duomo Florence, attracts around 4.5 million visitors, while the Duomo di Milano welcomes 5 million visitors yearly.

Milan Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Italy, and it is known for its unique architecture and rooftop views. 

On the other hand, Florence Cathedral is renowned for dominating the city’s skyline and the dome climb experience. 

While one receives more visitors than the other, they are almost equally popular. 

Duomo Florence vs. Duomo Di Milano: Domes and Towers

Duomo Florence is a classic example of Renaissance design, with its iconic dome designed by the skilled and visionary Filippo Brunelleschi. 

Named after its designer, Brunelleschi’s Dome at the Florence Cathedral is the world’s largest masonry dome.

Its distinct terracotta tiles and elegant proportions make it an eye-catching attraction that draws you towards itself with its beauty and elegance.

The Dome also serves a functional purpose at the cathedral, offering jaw-dropping city views from the top.

From here, several visitors enjoy the eye-pleasing city views of Florence every day.

On the other hand, the Duomo di Milano offers a unique blend of architectural elements.

The Duomo di Milano is adorned with numerous intricate spires and statues.

It is a sky-soaring and massive Gothic masterpiece that is a must-visit when in Milan, Italy.

Like the Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Duomo di Milano’s rooftop also offers city views of Milan.

Visiting both attractions offers a unique perspective and insights into the two kinds of architectural styles.

Brunelleschi’s Dome vs. Duomo Di Milano Rooftop Experience

Climbing the Florence Cathedral’s dome is not for the faint-hearted. 

Visitors must climb 463 steep stone steps up a narrow spiral staircase to reach Brunelleschi’s Dome’s top.

The huge number of stairs makes climbing difficult, significantly reducing the accessibility for visitors with claustrophobia, heart issues, and breathing difficulties.

The activity is also unsuitable for pregnant visitors, but the city views from the top are worth all the effort.

Being inside Brunelleschi’s dome makes you appreciate the architectural marveling prevalent during the Renaissance and Brunelleschi’s vision.

Reaching the Duomo di Milano’s rooftop is easier than accessing the Duomo Florence.

The elevator swiftly frisks the visitors up the rooftop, making it accessible for all visitors.

The Duomo di Milano’s rooftop is lined with spires and statues; you can appreciate the ornate architecture.

Duomo Florence’s rooftop surprisingly remains more crowded than the rooftop at Milano.

In short, both Duomo Florence and Duomo Di Milano offer great city views. 

However, one is a smoother and more leisurely experience, while the other offers a trek-like vibe.

So, if climbing the 400-plus stairs doesn’t bother you, Duomo Florence can be your pick. 

Still, if you struggle with accessibility issues or breathing difficulties, you might like Milano better due to the elevator. 

Features of Duomo Florence

The Duomo Florence is a classic Renaissance beauty, and several features of the Duomo attract visitors worldwide.

One of the most attractive features of Duomo Florence is its colorful marble facade, which is made of shades of ivory, green, and more.

Several Duomo Florence features, such as intricate statues and figurines, catch visitors’ attention.

However, the most distinctive feature of Duomo Florence is its iconic Dome, which Florentine visionary Filippo Brunelleschi designed.

The Brunelleschi’s Dome offers stunning views of the Florence skyline that visitors can soak in during their visit, especially during sunset, when the romantic city embraces yellowish hues.

The Duomo Florence Cathedal’s interior is also worth exploring.

It showcases exquisite frescoes, over 40 glass-stained windows and notable works by artists like Giorgio Vasari. 

Duomo Florence’s features include iconic bronze doors, including Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise.”

Other features include steep stairs that take visitors to the dome and the Crypt of Santa Reparata.

The Crypt is an essential part of the Duomo Florence Complex and is located underneath, offering insights into the past.

Features of Duomo di Milano

The Milan Cathedral, or the Duomo di Milano, as it is commonly called, is a vast, gothic architectural masterpiece that is a must-visit when visiting Italy.

This is a Gothic cathedral as it features several elements of Gothic architecture, including towers and spires.

The Duomo di Milano is dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente, and it is the largest Italian Church. 

The Duomo di Milano is a magnificent and vast structure that can hold over 40,000 people.

The interiors of the Duomo di Milano are as amazing as the cathedral’s exterior, and it has a beautiful rooftop from which visitors can access and enjoy panoramic views.

The Duomo di Milano also has an extensive collection of artwork, religious relics, and historical artifacts in the Duomo’s Museum.

The Duomo di Milano is conveniently located in the city center, making it easily accessible to tourists.

The hustle and bustle of the city adds to the lively atmosphere around the cathedral and starts becoming crowded since morning itself.

Duomo Florence vs. Duomo Di Milano: Which Has Better Features?

There is no right answer to this question.

Duomo Florence and Duomo di Milano have excellent features, and which is better depends on your choice and taste.

If you are fond of Renaissance architecture over Gothic architecture, you would like the Duomo Florence more than the Duomo di Milano.

If you prefer towers over domes, Duomo di Milano is your place.

Opening Hours

Duomo Florence’s opening hours are from 10.15 am to 4.45 pm, but Brunelleschi’s Dome opening hours are from 8.15 am to 6.45 pm from Monday to Friday.

Duomo Florence and Brunelleschi’s Dome’s opening hours are from 8.15 am to 4.30 pm on Saturdays, and they remain closed on Sundays.

On the other hand, the Duomo di Milano’s opening hours are from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Sunday.

The Duomo di Milano remains open for a little longer, from 9 am to 7 pm, on all days of the week.

Location

Duomo Florence and Duomo di Milano are located in two different Italian cities.

Duomo Florence, formally known as the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, is located in the heart of Florence.

On the other hand, Duomo di Milano is located centrally located in Milan, Italy.

Duomo Florence Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Get Directions. 

Duomo di Milano Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions. 

Expected Crowd

Duomo Florence and Duomo di Milano are highly visited attractions, attracting over 4.5 million visitors and 5 million visitors, respectively.

Naturally, visitors must expect crowds at both of these attractions.

The best way to avoid the crowds at Duomo Florence and Duomo di Milano is to explore these attractions early in the morning as soon as they open during weekdays.

Weekends tend to be more crowded since more people visit these attractions during the weekends.

Reaching early as soon as they open or a little before their closing time, helps visitors avoid crowds that gather at these attractions during the day.

So, Duomo Florence vs. Duomo Di Milano – Which One To Visit?

We still recommend visiting both Duomo Florence and Duomo di Milano and considering both attractions’ awesome features, you will be tempted to explore both.

But if you are still intent on exploring just one, the choice depends on several factors.

For example, if you have claustrophobia or have breathing difficulties in general, or if you feel suffocated in closed spaces, then we recommend Duomo di Milano.

This is so because Duomo Florence has the Crypt of Santa Reparata that is situated underneath the ground, requiring visitors to enter the closed space underground.

For visitors with limited mobility, the Duomo di Milano is the better choice, considering visitors need to climb over 400 stairs to reach the Dome and there are no elevators.

The Duomo di Milano also offers city views but has an elevator that makes it easier for visitors to reach the rooftop.

Another way to consider which attraction to visit is the type of architecture you admire.

If you like Renaissance architecture, then the Duomo Florence should be your choice, whereas if you are fond of Gothic architecture, then the Duomo di Milano should be your pick.

Duomo Florence vs. Duomo Di Milano- FAQs

Suggested Articles

Featured Image: Scrisman,BGStock72 (Canva)