Under the Duomo: the Archaeological Area

What is down there

Put together, this was a working Christian centre about a thousand years before the cathedral was begun, and much of it was simply built over.

Which ticket works out best

Compare before you add extras. The Duomo + Museum ticket (€10) plus both add-ons, the Archaeological Area at €5 and the Crypt at €3.50, comes to €18.50 at official prices. The Culture Pass covers the same places for €15, so it is the better buy if you want the area and the Crypt.

The Culture Pass is not sold on Wednesdays, nor while celebrations are held in the Duomo. If you want the rooftop as well, the Fast-Track Pass includes the area, but it is seasonal. The Fabbrica has said add-ons need a cathedral ticket, so don't plan on the area alone.

St Charles Crypt, a different place

The crypt, known as the Scurolo of St Charles, was designed in 1606 by Francesco Maria Richini and sits under the presbytery, holding the remains of St Charles Borromeo. The name comes from the Milanese scuroeu, a dim or underground room. The crystal and silver urn was designed by Cerano and given by Philip IV of Spain. It was restored and reopened on 11 November 2023.

Access and rules

The route from the main entrance has 27 steps; visitors with motor disabilities can ask for access by the lift at the metro station, and the official page still mentions works there, so ask in advance. The Scurolo is also hard to reach because of stairs. Filming inside the baptisteries needs authorisation from the Superintendence. Celebrations often interrupt the area, and on some days it stays shut until 12:30: read the calendar of changes.