Piazza Duomo, with its stunning gothic cathedral, is certainly the heart of Milan and it has been since its foundation. Road distances from the city are computed from this spot.
The white Cathedral (“il Duomo”) is an amazing subject to photograph, but especially so at the blue hour, when it is lit up, and in the afternoon, when the sun shines on its westward-facing façade.
The large square in front of the church is a popular meeting place for tourists and locals alike. Street photographers with an attentive eye will be able to capture many interesting scenes, if they spend enough time there.
By paying a small fee, one has the possibility of taking an elevator to the cathedral’s roof. From there, the view over the center of Milan is beautiful and can be very atmospheric on a foggy day.
A number of interesting buildings line the sides of the square, most notably the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, nicknamed Milan’s Living Room, the Royal Palace and the Arengario.
The Royal Palace hosts temporary art shows, while the adjacent Arengario is home to the Museo del Novecento, a permanent exhibition of XX Century works of art.
The western side of the square opens onto Via dei Mercanti, with its medieval Palazzo della Ragione, where photography exhibitions are frequently hosted.
From the opposite side departs Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a long pedestrian street lined with shops and boutiques. Many Milanese and visitors come shopping here.
