Piazza del Duomo, Central square in Milan, Italy
Piazza del Duomo is a square in Milan that forms the historic heart of the city and borders the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The wide space connects several streets and opens toward the cathedral façade, surrounded by arcaded buildings and 19th-century palaces.
The first transformations began in the 14th century under Azzone Visconti, who reshaped the medieval core. The current form emerged between 1865 and 1873 following plans by Giuseppe Mengoni, who expanded the square as part of urban modernization.
The square takes its name from the cathedral that occupies its entire northern side and has shaped the space for centuries. Visitors see daily weddings, religious processions, and worshippers pausing on the steps before the main portal.
The entire square is reserved for pedestrians and offers open access to all surrounding attractions. Most visitors come in the morning or early evening, when the light best highlights the façades.
Below the square runs a metro station, with exits that open directly onto the paved surface and bring travelers into the middle of the action. The equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II stands precisely on the central axis between the cathedral and the Galleria, marking the focal point of the entire ensemble.
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