Milan’s most iconic attraction is its imposing marble cathedral. Examine it from every angle, and enjoy surrounding attractions from the central Piazza del Duomo.
The rectangular main square of Milan dates to the 14th century and is defined by the internationally-recognised façade of the Duomo. The entrance to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, filled with top designer boutiques, also stands on the Piazza del Duomo. Other attractions on the square include the Royal Palace of Milan, a monument to King Victor Emmanuel II and several beautiful palazzos. Teeming with bustling tour groups in the summer and richly decorated for the holidays in winter, the Piazza del Duomo is very much the heart of Milan.
In addition to being the cultural centre of Milan, the Piazza del Duomo is also the Italian city’s geographic heart. The Duomo Metro station has several entrances on the square and is served by the city’s subway system.
The character of the Piazza del Duomo has been in constant flux, as its cathedral took a whopping six centuries to complete. None of the original buildings that stood here in the 14th century remain. Much of the square’s current design is owed to architect Giuseppe Mengoni, who worked in the mid-19th century on the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Portico Palaces.