Duomo di Milano is the largest cathedral dedicated to Italy’s St. Mary of the Nativity. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Milan and attracts millions of visitors from around the world. You may get lost in the cathedral’s elaborate spires, statues and intricate decorations. Visitors often spend time outside the cathedral to soak in its magnificent marble facade, which is detailed with sculptures and statues. But there are several more things to see around Duomo di Milano. These things to see around Duomo di Milano are a rich historical and cultural experience.
Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo is the main square before the Duomo di Milano. The Cathedral Square is a bustling and vibrant space in the heart of Milan, used by locals and tourists alike. Standing in the square, you can see the Duomo and marvel at its majestic Gothic dome that pierces the sky.
Piazza del Duomo acts as a transition space for visitors exploring the various things to see around Duomo di Milano. From here, you can visit the Duomo and the Duomo Museum. The Cathedral Square serves as Milan’s central hub and offers a lively and dynamic experience, especially for those starting their Milan journey.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an iconic shopping arcade in the heart of Milan, next to Duomo di Milan. It is one of the world’s oldest and most elegant shopping malls, known for its stunning architecture and upscale boutiques. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a feat of 19th-century architecture, with its impressive iron and glass dome, intricate mosaics and ornate decorations. In this historical shopping arcade, you will find high-end boutiques, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.
You can climb onto the roof of the Galleria and gain a whole new perspective of the Duomo di Milano. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a popular list topper of things to see around Duomo di Milano. We recommend you get a private tour ticket for the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Scala for the best experience.
Pinacoteca di Brera

The Pinacoteca di Brera is an art gallery located near the Duomo di Milano, just a short 20-minute walk away. It is one of Milan’s most prestigious art museums and houses an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque Art. The gallery’s collection includes masterpieces from renowned Italian artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Mantegna, Bellini and Titian. A Jesuit monastery was renovated and retrofitted to create the Pinacoteca di Brera, providing an excellent backdrop. You should spend at least 1.5 hours here to get the best experience.
Sforzesco Castle
The Sforzesco Castle is one of the excellent things to see around Duomo di Milano, located just an 8-minute walk away. This historic castle features a mix of architectural styles due to a long list of renovations and expansions. The Sforzesco Castle has its art collection, which you can see it’s in-house museums. One of the most exciting objects on display is Michelangelo’s unfinished masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini.
The Sforzesco Castle has beautiful, picturesque grounds and annually hosts several exhibitions, concerts and cultural events. We recommend spending at least an hour there. Visitors can also get the Duomo di Milano + Sforzesco Castle combo ticket to enjoy discounts.
Rinascente Milano Piazza Duomo

Rinascente Milano Piazza Duomo is a famous luxury store chain in Italy and the one in Piazza Duomo is one of its flagship locations. The entrance to Rinascente Milano Piazza Duomo is from the Piazza Duomo, the main square in front of the cathedral. You will find a great selection of high-end brands and designer labels across different departments. Shopping isn’t the only thing you can do at Rinascente Milano. You can experience fine dining in the exclusive gourmet section of Rinascente Milano.
You must also check out the rooftop terrace. It offers panoramic city views, including the Gothic dome of Duomo di Milano. Rinascente Milano offers shopping, good food and a great atmosphere—you can easily spend half a day there.
Museo del Novecento
Museo del Novecento is an art museum dedicated to 20th-century art, located 10 minutes from Duomo di Milano. You will see sculptures, paintings, installations and multimedia pieces from the 20th century, and if your timing is correct, you may even be able to attend one of Museo del Novecento’s temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions offer a chance to explore different aspects of 20th-century art and discover new perspectives. The Museo del Novecento is an interesting place to visit, and you can easily dedicate an hour to it.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Though not walkable, Santa Maria delle Grazie is an excellent place to visit. It’s approximately 3 kilometers from the Duomo di Milano, and you can spend 30—to 40 minutes there. With these combo tickets, you can combine the Duomo di Milano and the Santa Maria delle Grazie.
The Santa Maria delle Grazi is a church and Dominican Convent known for remarkable artworks. The Santa Maria delle Grazi houses Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned mural, “The Last Supper” (“Cenacolo Vinciano” in Italian). Santa Maria delle Grazie is an architecturally significant structure combining Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Indro Montanelli Garden
If you are looking for relaxing things to see around Duomo di Milano, the Indro Monatelli Garden is the spot. This park acts as an oasis in the bustling city center. It is ideal for a stroll, a picnic, or simply napping on the soft grass. A pond at the Indro Monatelli Garden is the best place to catch geese, ducks and other waterflow creatures. This Indro Monatelli Garden is a lush green space with several historical monuments. This is the perfect place for families to let the children play and adults to relax.
For all visitors planning to visit Duomo di Milano, here are some essential information to plan your trip:
– Opening hours
– Best time to visit
– How to reach
– Parking Information
– Restaurants
– Tips for Visiting
– History and Architecture
– Facts about Duomo Milano
Featured Image: Duomomilano.it