Piazza del Duomo, Milan

Piazza del Duomo represents not only the geographic center of the city, but also its artistic, cultural, and social hub. This vibrant public space is named after and dominated by the city's main cathedral, one of the largest Gothic structures in Europe. As one of the city's main tourist attractions, this busy piazza was created in the 14th century and gradually developed, along with the iconic cathedral, over the next 600 years. The piazza's overall plan, in its current form, dates back to the 19th century and is largely the work of architect Gieuseppe Mengoni. The monumental buildings encircling the piazza, with the exception of the cathedral and a palace that once served as the seat of the city's civil government, were introduced by Mengoni's design. The piazza is also home to one of the world's oldest shopping malls, housed inside an imposing four-story structure that is a popular meeting and dining place. Work out when and for how long to visit Piazza del Duomo and other Milan attractions using our handy Milan online route planner.