A Walk on Milan Duomo Rooftops

Stepping out onto Milan Duomo Rooftops is a unique experience. The marble profile of the Cathedral, usually seen from afar, is astounding and reveals all its secrets.

Every step of the way, there are statues, openings, and passageways leading visitors to explore the infinite details in the open air. The Duomo is the only gothic cathedral with accessible terraces.

A place bustling with silent stone people who look out over the city and a reminder that the history of the Duomo is made up of all the generations which have followed one another in its construction and left their mark within.

The numbers are truly impressive: 135 spires, 150 gargoyles or water spouts, 96 giants, embrasures, flying buttresses, and adornments. How many secrets lie within this pink-gray Candoglia marble?

The Duomo rooftops offer a unique viewpoint and interact with the modern rising city. The terraces are accessible on foot, by climbing around 256 stairs, or with 2 elevators which take visitors up to the first-level walkways in a matter of seconds.

Exactly in relation to the north slope, it is possible to admire the oldest spire of the Duomo, the Carelli Spire, which takes its name from the most important benefactor in the history of the Cathedral.

The original version of the statue is now on display at the Duomo Museum, after it was severely damaged by bombings in World War II.

At a height of around 45 meters (roughly 147 feet), 2 mirrored paths run along the northern and southern flanks, on the first level of the Terraces.

Near the façade, both walkways meet the counterfaçade staircase, where steep steps lead to the spectacular central Terrace. And up where the air is lighter.

Covered in Candoglia marble slabs, the Main Terrace develops - as the central nave of the Duomo - spanning around 1,530 square meters (roughly 16,468 square feet), and rising to a height of 65 meters (roughly 213 feet).

An impressive breathtaking place, the central Rooftop is the best viewpoint for observing the Madonnina statue, placed on top of the Main Spire.