Sagrada Família and Duomo di Milano: Two Cathedrals, Two Totally Different Worlds

francescaqvisionfa
May 29
4 min read

Updated: Jun 11

Author: Lorena Sabljak

If you’ve ever stood in front of a building and just said “wow” without even realizing it, then you’ll know exactly the kind of effect the Duomo in Milan or Sagrada Família in Barcelona can have. These aren’t just churches, they’re experiences. And while both are insanely beautiful, they couldn’t be more different.

One is steeped in centuries of tradition, and the other looks like something pulled from a dream or a sci-fi movie, depending on the angle. So if you're trying to decide which one to see, or just love architecture and culture, here’s a side-by-side look at two of Europe’s most iconic masterpieces. Let's compare: the Sagrada Família and Duomo di Milano.

A Tale of Two Timelines

Let’s start with how long they’ve been under construction — which is a story in itself.

The Duomo di Milano? Started in 1386. Let that sink in for a second. Construction took literally hundreds of years. By the time it was “done” (and even now it’s still being cleaned and tweaked), the world had gone from the Middle Ages to the Beatles. You can feel that history when you walk around it — it’s heavy in the best way.

On the other hand, Sagrada Família was born in a much more recent era. Construction kicked off in 1882, and Gaudí took the reins shortly after. Here's the kicker: it’s still not finished. Over 140 years later, and they’re still working on it — but that’s part of what makes it so special. You’re watching history happen in real-time.

Totally Opposite Vibes

Walk up to the Duomo di Milano, and you’ll instantly be hit with this majestic, gothic vibe. The spires, the statues, the marble — it’s the kind of building that makes you feel small and grand at the same time. It’s like the definition of dramatic architecture, and everything about it screams precision and tradition.

Sagrada Família does not look human built, instead it looks like it just grew out of ground. With all its curves and details it looks like it is almost alive. Gaudi was a genius, he did not just create a church, he created a living sculpture. The inside is even more impressive especially when the light comes through the stained glass in green, blue and red colors.

If the Duomo is a cathedral in the classic sense, Sagrada Família is what you’d get if nature and surrealism had a baby.

Built by Many Hands vs. One Visionary

What’s also interesting is how these buildings - the Sagrada Família and the Duomo di Milano - came together.

The Duomo was a team effort across generations. Hundreds of architects, artists, and workers passed the torch over the years. That’s why you can spot little stylistic shifts here and there — a window designed in one century, a sculpture added in another. It's a kind of beautiful architectural patchwork.

Sagrada Família, in contrast, is tied to one man: Antoni Gaudí. He didn’t just design it — he lived it. He literally moved onto the site later in life to stay close to the project. After Gaudis death people had to put together all his notes to keep the vision alive.

More Than Just Buildings

In Milan, the Duomo is the anchor of the whole city. Locals say “ci vediamo in Duomo” ("let’s meet at the Duomo") like people in New York say “let’s meet in Times Square” — it’s a central part of life there. You can even climb to the roof and walk among the spires, which is hands-down one of the coolest things to do in the city.

Barcelona’s Sagrada Família isn’t just a landmark — it’s part of the city’s soul. It reflects the quirky, creative, rebellious nature of Catalan culture. And even though locals joke about how long it’s taking, they’re still incredibly proud of it. It’s emotional. Strange. Inspiring. And somehow, still unfinished.

Sagrada Família and Duomo di Milano: If you have to choose

* Go to Milan’s Duomo if you’re into classic Gothic architecture, perfect symmetry, and want to feel connected to centuries of history. Bonus: you get a killer view from the top.

* Visit Sagrada Família if you want to see something you’ve never seen before — a building that looks like it’s from another planet, but somehow makes perfect sense once you're inside.

They each tell a story — not just of architecture, but of time, culture, and imagination. So if you're planning your next trip, make space for at least one of these unforgettable places. You won’t regret it.