Monza Cathedral, or Duomo di Monza, is a Gothic church dedicated to St John the Baptist in the historic centre of Monza, about 15 kilometres northeast of Milan. Its striped white-and-green marble facade, attributed to Matteo da Campione, makes an impressive first stop on a day trip from the city.
The church’s origins go back to around 595, when the Lombard queen Theodelinda founded a royal chapel here. The present cathedral took shape over centuries of rebuilding. Its most famous treasure is the Iron Crown of Lombardy, traditionally said to contain a nail from the Cross and used to crown rulers including Napoleon in 1805.
The crown is kept in the Chapel of Theodelinda, whose vivid 15th-century frescoes by the Zavattari family tell the queen’s story in richly dressed, theatrical scenes. The adjoining cathedral museum holds more treasures associated with the Lombard court, including a golden hen and her chicks. Allow time to explore Monza’s old town, or continue towards the Villa Reale and its park.
Regional trains from Milano Centrale or Milano Garibaldi reach Monza in roughly 15–20 minutes; the cathedral is about a 10–15 minute walk from the station. Check current hours and booking requirements for the chapel and museum, as access may be limited or separately ticketed. Dress modestly, and expect some areas of this active church to be unavailable during services.