Piazza del Duomo is Milan’s central square and the monumental setting for its cathedral, the Duomo di Milano. The vast open space brings together the city’s religious, civic and commercial life: Gothic spires rise above the eastern end, while the grand entrance to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II opens on the northern side.
The square has been Milan’s focal point for centuries, though much of its present layout dates to a 19th-century redesign. At its centre stands an equestrian statue of King Vittorio Emanuele II. Take time to study the cathedral’s intricate marble façade, then look up for the gilded Madonnina atop its highest spire. On the southern side of the piazza, the Museo del Novecento offers a rich collection of 20th-century Italian art, including Futurist works.
For a quieter view of Piazza del Duomo, come early on a weekday, before the crowds gather. Book cathedral and rooftop tickets online in advance; the terraces bring you close to the spires and offer sweeping views across Milan. If you stop for coffee on the square, check the menu first, as table service can be expensive.