The most significant landmark on the square is the Milan Cathedral, which attracts attention even from far away with its impressive Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest churches worldwide, in Italy second only to St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, as well as the second largest Gothic cathedral in the world (on the top of the list is the Cathedral of Seville in Spain.) Inside the Milan Cathedral you will be amazed by its unique musical heritage and distinctly high nave. Tourists are free to take a look to the roof, where the fascinating ‘Madonnina’, a Baroque gilded sculpture, designed by Francesco Croce, can be viewed from up close. There are numerous spires and pinnacles, set upon refined flying buttresses that add to the artistic features of this place. In the 16th Century, Giacomo Antegnati used his talent to build a large organ, Giuseppe Meda decorated the altar area and Francesco Brambilla constructed wooden choir stalls for the main altar. In the following years, the statues of the southern wall were finished, new stained glass windows were posted and the final details were completed in the 20th Century.

Thousands of people cross the piazza every day, mostly visiting the cathedral or the 19th Century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and its glamorous shopping area. Taking a photo at the monument of Vittorio Emanuele ensures that you will have nice memories from the piazza. The 18th Century Palazzo Real, an attractive area with the twin buildings of Arengario, is another site that should be seen while in Milan’s centre.

In the surrounding area of Piazza Duomo visitors can find at least three very popular buildings. Walking straight across the plaza there is Via Mercanti, a busy shopping street that connects the square with Piazza Cordusio. At the same place, there is the Palazzo della Ragione, dating from the 13th Century and a survivor of Milan’s Medieval period. Take a stroll in the opposite direction from Piazza Duomo and you will reach Via Mazzini with its calm and charming atmosphere, and you will also encounter the small Renaissance church of St Maria presso St Satiro that is waiting to impress you. Again, within a close vicinity to the square there is Biblioteca Ambrosiana, which is adjacent to the Pinoteca Ambroisiana (‘Ambrosian Gallery’) and boasts one of the great repositories of European culture.

Tourists can receive important information and tourist tips at the Tourist Information Office, located at the piazza. Whenever you need accommodation or cannot orientate yourself in the city, the cordial staff will help you.