Milan cathedral bag policy
🎒 Milan Cathedral Bag Policy – Full Visitor Guide (2025)
The Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, is one of the most iconic religious and architectural landmarks in Europe. Each year, millions of tourists visit the Duomo, the rooftop terraces, and the associated museum complex. Due to the high number of visitors and the importance of maintaining safety and reverence inside a religious site, the cathedral has a strict bag policy.
Whether you’re visiting the cathedral interior, climbing to the panoramic rooftop terraces, or attending a special mass, understanding the bag restrictions ahead of time can help you avoid delays, refusals, or the hassle of searching for luggage storage at the last minute.
🔐 1. What Is Allowed and Not Allowed?
✅ Allowed Bags:
- Small handbags, purses, or waist bags
- Compact backpacks (if not too bulky)
- Camera bags (with non-professional gear)
- Daypacks that fit under your seat
These items are permitted after security inspection, which includes scanning and manual checking by staff. If your bag is deemed too large or a security risk, you may be denied entry or asked to leave it elsewhere.
❌ Not Allowed Bags:
- Large backpacks
- Suitcases or trolleys
- Oversized tote bags
- Helmets, glass bottles, flammable materials
- Tripods, drones, megaphones
- Any item classified as a weapon or tool
Staff has full discretion to deny entry to anyone carrying objects that pose a safety risk or violate the spiritual environment of the cathedral.
🛃 2. Security Screening Process
All visitors must pass through a mandatory security checkpoint, even if they’ve purchased tickets in advance. This applies to the cathedral interior, rooftop terraces (via stairs or elevator), crypt, archaeological area, and museum.
What to expect at the entrance:
- Walk-through metal detector
- Manual bag inspection by guards
- Occasional requests to remove coats, belts, or electronic items
Visitors are advised to arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to allow time for screening, especially during peak season.
📦 3. Is There a Cloakroom or Locker Facility?
There is no full-service cloakroom or baggage deposit inside the Milan Cathedral complex for large items or suitcases. Visitors carrying prohibited bags will not be allowed to enter and will need to find off-site storage nearby.
However, for smaller items, a limited number of lockers may be available for:
- Temporary storage while visiting the museum
- Small camera gear or umbrellas
Lockers usually require a small refundable deposit or token. These lockers are limited and not suitable for backpacks or luggage.
🧳 4. What to Do with Large Bags
If you’re arriving with a suitcase or large backpack, especially as part of a longer trip or day tour, you should plan to store your bag off-site before entering the Duomo.
Many local businesses near Piazza del Duomo partner with luggage storage networks and offer:
- Short-term or hourly luggage storage
- QR code–based bookings
- Locations within 2–5 minutes walking distance
- Safe handling and insurance
While prices may vary, they generally range from €5–€8 per item per day.
🕒 5. Best Times to Visit with Minimal Delay
To avoid long queues at security and ensure the smoothest experience:
- Visit early in the morning (before 10:00 AM)
- Avoid weekends and public holidays
- Choose weekdays for quieter crowds
- Consider visiting the museum or terraces separately if you’re short on time
Arriving early also helps you avoid heat (during summer) or bad weather (during winter) if you’re planning to visit the rooftop.
👝 6. Practical Tips for Visitors
Here are some practical tips to help you comply with the Milan Cathedral’s bag policy:
- Pack light: Only carry what you need (ID, wallet, phone, camera).
- Leave luggage at your hotel if possible.
- Avoid bringing food or drinks—they are not allowed in sacred areas.
- Use a compact daypack for tours that require moving between sites.
- Wear a crossbody or belt bag if you’re concerned about security.
If you’re touring the city and planning to visit other attractions afterward, opt for a small, lightweight backpack that complies with most sites’ policies.
⚠️ 7. Additional Security Notes
Besides bag checks, other rules are enforced inside the Milan Cathedral:
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered. Tank tops, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
- Photography: Allowed in most areas, but no flash, tripods, or selfie sticks.
- Noise: Speaking loudly, playing music, or making calls inside the cathedral is prohibited.
Security officers and cathedral staff reserve the right to remove visitors who do not comply with these guidelines.
🎫 8. How Bag Policy Affects Ticket Types
Most visitors to the Duomo purchase one of the following:
- Cathedral + Rooftop by Stairs or Lift
- Fast-Track Rooftop Ticket
- All-Inclusive Pass (Cathedral + Rooftop + Museum + Archaeology Site)
- Guided Tours with Skip-the-Line Access
In all cases, you will still go through security, and if you arrive with a prohibited bag, your ticket cannot be refunded on-site due to denied entry. This is especially important for pre-booked tours or time-sensitive entries.
📋 9. Quick Reference Guide: Milan Duomo Bag Policy
| Bag Type | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small handbag | ✅ | Permitted after inspection |
| Camera bag | ✅ | Non-professional equipment only |
| Large backpack | ❌ | Must be stored off-site |
| Suitcase / trolley | ❌ | Not permitted anywhere |
| Tripods / selfie stick | ❌ | Forbidden inside |
| Purse / fanny pack | ✅ | Ideal for easy access and safety |
| Umbrella (large) | ❌ | May need to be stored or folded |