The first time I visited Milan last year in January 2025, I didn’t get the chance to climb the Duomo. The beginning of the year is cold rainy season in Northern Italy, so being on top of a cathedral made of entirely cold slab marble wouldn’t have been very fun anyways (and probably quite slippery and dangerous).
This time around, however, late April 2026, I made it a priority to climb the Duomo, and by climb I mean buy the fast track elevator to the very top, lol. Since I was entering Milan straight from Newark, I wasn’t going to climb any stairs while jet lagged.
And I think a visit to the Duomo was definitely worth it! Not only were the views from the top amazing, but also it’s simply incredible to observe the ancient history of this architectural landmark. Even after seeing the construction of the marble up close, I still do not understand how such a structure is still standing to this day. Granted, a lot of reconstruction is put into the Duomo, but it’s still mind-blowing nonetheless.
Many religious sites across Roman Catholic Europe require shoulders and legs to be covered, and unless you want to wear those plastic cover ups they hand out to women baring their shoulders, its best you bring your own cover up. The silk slip dress set I’m wearing is the perfect solution because not only is the dress a stand-alone outfit, it doubles as a set with its own matching cover up. Made of translucent silk, the sheer cover up is perfect for mild to warm temperature days. It is breathable during the summer but does add an extra layer of warmth if it’s a bit nippy outside. This cover up is also so convenience because it folds neatly and compact enough to fit a small handbag. I placed the silk cover up inside a sheer silk baggy, and it fits my bag perfectly. I talk more about my outfit hack in this Instagram reel.
Perhaps my (and many others’) least favorite part of visiting the Duomo is the climb downwards in a long, narrow, and downwards-winding stairwell. I don’t understand: if I bought the fast track elevator up to the cathedral, then shouldn’t there also be an elevator to go down? Don’t get me wrong, I do not mind taking the stairs, in fact I enjoy any chance for a workout and climb stairs for past-time exercise. But the stairwell in the Duomo is entirely indoors, cramped, steep, all while winding downwards with no views of the outside world. It felt like a never-ending downwards spiral. With each step, I started envisioning myself as a 15th century monk, and I think it helps to think that because those stairs were more of a mental battle than a physical one.
But alas, I made it out of the claustrophobic stairwell, and then walked into the first floor inside the cathedral.
Cathedrals in Europe have always sort of spooked me a bit; there’s a beauty that has a haunting quality to it, in my opinion. I think that’s the “God is watching” oppressive vibe historical cathedrals want to give off.
Point is, I personally enjoy being on top the Duomo di Milano more than the inside of it. Even though the stained glass like many intricate cathedrals are beautiful to look at, because I’m not religious, I prefer the architectural exterior of European churches more than the religious imagery of the interiors.
After visiting the Duomo, my family (including Momo!) and I had lunch at Terraza Duomo 21, where you pay more for the views than the food, but the food definitely wasn’t considered bad in my book.
Until next time!
xx, vt
tags // sheer silk dress, what to wear in Italy, modest fashion
