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Milan Duomo Dress Code (and What You Can’t Wear!)

April 16, 2024

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Milan Duomo dress code

Are you ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Milan’s iconic Duomo Cathedral but worried about what to wear and the strict dress code? We’ve got you covered.

The Duomo di Milano stands as the pinnacle must-visit spot in Milan, Italy, but its strict security measures can be daunting. It is the 3rd largest church in Italy with stunning stained glass windows, breathtaking rooftop terraces, and a rich history dating back to the 14th century.

Before you visit one of the most beloved landmarks in Italy’s fashion capital, there’s one crucial detail to consider: the Milan Duomo Dress Code.

Security at the Duomo can be strict. Don’t risk being turned away at the entrance!

After traveling across Italy and seeing all of Milan’s top sights, we’ll share the inside scoop on the dress code requirements, what’s a no-go, ticket options, opening hours and tips for navigating the cathedral stress-free.

We highly recommend to purchase your cathedral tickets online! Here is the best deal for Milan Duomo Tickets for Fast Track (with elevator ride to rooftop + skip-the-line + 24 hours free cancellation). Here is the best deal for Duomo di Milano Tickets if you want to climb the stairs up to the rooftop.

What we wore to the Milan Duomo and the rooftop views

Milan Duomo Cathedral Dress Code and What to Wear

Familiarize yourself with the Milan Duomo dress code is essential for a smooth and respectful visit. The Cathedral’s construction began in 1386 and spanned over six centuries, and the Duomo is still under construction today.

Aside from spending a 2 day itinerary seeing Milan’s top sights, we recommend planning to take a day trip during your time in Milan by pairing Milan with a day trip to Cinque Terre or 24 hours in Venice. Also, don’t forget to download these best apps for Italy before you go.

Does the Milan Duomo have a dress code? How strict is the duomo dress code?

Yes, the Milan Duomo enforces a strict dress code to preserve the cathedral’s sacred atmosphere and cultural significance.

Remember, the Milan Duomo is a place of worship and a church, so dressing modestly is key! We dressed appropriately for Sundays best.

Security personnel reserve the right to deny entry to visitors who don’t adhere to the dress code. So don’t think about sneaking anything in.

Only persons who are dressed appropriately are permitted to enter the cathedral. Plunging necklines, skirts, and shorts should altogether be avoided.

Why does Duomo di Milano have a dress code?

The Milan Duomo’s dress code serves a dual purpose. It fosters respect for the religious significance of the cathedral and upholds the cultural heritage of this landmark. A standardized dress code ensures a respectful environment for all visitors, allowing everyone to appreciate the Duomo’s scared environment.

What Exactly Can You Wear When Visiting the Milan Duomo?

Milan Duomo Dress Code General Guidelines

  • Shoulders & knees covered: Ensure that your attire covers both your shoulders and knees. Opt for long pants, skirts, or dresses that extend below the knee.
  • Modest clothing: Choose tasteful and respectful attire. Avoid revealing, ripped, or overly casual clothing.
  • Appropriate footwear: Comfortable and closed-toe shoes are ideal. Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted due to safety concerns on uneven surfaces within the Duomo. Heels are allowed, I wore my heels and was allowed in.

Milan Duomo Dress Code for Women

  • Dresses or skirts: Opt for dresses or skirts that extend past the knees. Pants would work too.
  • Covered shoulders: Wear tops or blouses with sleeves that cover your shoulders. Sleeveless tops and low-cut clothing are not allowed.
  • Appropriate tops: Refrain from wearing backless and/or low-cut tops.

Milan Duomo Dress Code for Men

  • Long trousers: Opt for long trousers that cover the knees.
  • Sleeved shirts: Appropriate T-shirts and shirts covering shoulders are preferable for men.
  • Prohibited prints & graphics: The dress code prohibits shirts or T-shirts with obscene or inappropriate prints and graphics.

Milan Duomo Dress Code for Kids

Children are expected to follow the same general dress code as adults. Ensure their clothing covers their shoulders and knees for a respectful visit. Remember to dress them comfortably while adhering to the code, especially during hot weather.

What you cannot wear at the Duomo di Milano?

Here’s what not to wear at the Milan cathedral or you’ll be refused entry.

  • Bare Shoulders: Avoid sleeveless tops, tank tops, or clothing that exposes your shoulders.
  • Short Shorts & Miniskirts: Steer clear of shorts and miniskirts that don’t meet the knee requirement.
  • Flip Flops: These shoes are not allowed due to safety concerns on uneven surfaces.
  • Inappropriate Graphics: Clothing with offensive or obscene prints or graphics is a no-go.

Things Not Allowed Inside the Duomo di Milano:

  • High-heeled shoes
  • Shorts
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Baby strollers
  • Smoking
  • Food and drinks
  • Large luggage or bags
  • Short skirts
  • Drones (not allowed to fly inside the Duomo)
  • Pets (except assistance dogs)
  • Sleeveless shirts
  • Sprays or Aerosols
  • Glass objects
  • Costumes
  • Party groups
  • See-through clothing

What if You Don’t Meet the Dress Code?

Don’t fret if your outfit doesn’t quite match the guidelines. Here are some solutions:

  • Carry a Cover-Up: Pack a scarf or shawl to drape over your shoulders or legs if needed.
  • Shop Nearby: Explore the area around the Duomo. Many shops sell affordable clothing options that comply with the dress code.
  • Ask for help: Even if not in compliance, maintain a respectful attitude, as staff may offer solutions or exemptions. When we were visiting, Jade had a big purse and the security did not allow her to bring the big bag inside. we had to ask a nearby store if they could hold it for her for 2 hours. When we came back, we picked it up and bought a souvenir.
  • Go Back to Your Hotel: As a last resort, walk back to your hotel to drop off the item that is not allowed.

Planning Your Duomo Milan Visit:

The TOP thing you must do when visiting Milan is to visit the Duomo di Milano, a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the third largest in the world.

As a couple, we were absolutely mesmerized by the intricate details of the stunning roof top terraces, intricate architecture, stained glass windows, and breathtaking rooftop views of the Milan Duomo. It was worth the trip to Milan alone!

We highly recommend booking the Fast Track ticket to both the Milan Duomo and Rooftop terraces for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, and marvel at the cathedral’s intricate carvings and sculptures.

You can also opt for a guided tour of Duomo di Milano and here is the best one. We explain in detail the ticket options below.

Milan Cathedral Address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

Milan Duomo Tickets (Milan Cathedral)

To visit the inside of Cathedral and its rooftop you will need to buy tickets. They provide multiple options for the tickets, however for we were mostly curious to visit the rooftop and there are 3 main Milan Duomo Ticket options to choose from:

#1) Milan Duomo FastTrack Tickets Best Deal to Rooftop Terraces: **Highly Recommended** In this option, you can reach the rooftop via a elevator lift. This FastTrack ticket gives you entry from the back of the Duomo via an elevator, which has no line! Plus you get to skip-the-line and have 24 hours free cancellation.

There’s really nothing to see while climbing the stairs, just brick walls – so don’t worry, you’re not missing out on anything and you can still climb the stairs while coming down. The real view is up at the rooftop terraces.

#2) Milan Duomo Tickets if you want to climb the stairs up to the rooftop: In this option you can reach the rooftop by climbing 463 stairs.

#3) Take a Guided Tour: The Duomo is a fascinating place with a rich history, and a guided tour is a great way to learn more about it. Tours are available in a variety of languages, and they typically last for about an hour. If you’re a history and art lover, you’ll love this. We like the freedom to explore as a couple more so we chose option #1.

Milan Duomo Opening Hours

Duomo Milan Opening HoursTIMINGS
Monday8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday (Today)8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Duomo: 8 AM to 7 PM
Duomo Terraces and RoofTop: 9 AM to 7 PM
Last admission: 6:10 PM
Closed: The Duomo Milan cathedral, Archaeological Area, and the Duomo rooftops are open daily, while the Duomo Museum remains closed on Mondays.

7 Expert tips when visiting the Duomo Di Milano:

Milan Duomo Dress Code and What to Wear Additional FAQs:

  • Does Milan Duomo (Duomo di Milano Cathedral) have a dress code? Yes, it enforces a dress code to preserve the cathedral’s sacred atmosphere. The dress code is strict there are many things you cannot wear.
  • Can you wear shorts in the Duomo Milan? No, shorts that don’t cover the knees are not allowed.
  • Can men wear shorts in the Duomo Milan? It’s best to avoid shorts altogether. Opt for long pants to ensure a smooth entry.
  • Can you wear sandals in the Duomo Milan? Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted due to safety concerns.

We hope these travel tips helped you understand the Milan Duomo’s dress code. These travel tips help ensure a smooth entry and also contribute to maintaining the sanctity and cultural significance of this iconic landmark.

If you’ve been to Milan, we’d love to hear what was your favorite thing you did below.

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