© Wikimedia
© Wikimedia
Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, Northwest Milan
15th-century convent, home to Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper
This Dominican convent, included in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites List, was built between 1463 and 1481 under the promotion of Duke Francesco Sforza. Leonardo Da Vinci's famous Last Supper fresco is located in its refectory.
The initial design was created by Guiniforte Solari. However, Ludovico Moro, successor of Francesco Sforza, decided to make the church the resting place of the Sforza family. The apse and dome were enlarged and reworked in a classic Renaissance style by one of the best Italian architects of all times, Donato Bramante, although finished by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo.
During World War II, this Dominican monastery was almost completely destroyed by bombing. Three walls of the refectory that houses "Il Cenacolo" or "The Last Supper" were miraculously spared. This 15th-century mural painting that covers the back wall of the dining hall was commissioned by Da Vinci's patron, Duke Ludovico Sforza. Depicting in exquisite detail the dramatic moment when Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him, it is considered Da Vinci's most accomplished work, indeed one of the finest paintings of the Renaissance.
Visitor comments
- "I went twice because I overbooked tickets in an attempt to get tickets online. Do get the audio guide: it's very informative and interesting. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Milan." - Trip Advisor
- "One of those world icons that one should get whatever the cost! Very hard to book, some meager 15 minutes allowed, but worth every coin! A must go!" - Trip Advisor
- "if you do not see the last supper, you will think about it all your life! frankly speaking this masterpiece from Leonardo is a must to see..." - Trip Advisor
When to come
Da Vinci's mural paintings is open Tuesday to Sunday from 08:15 to 18:45, closed on Mondays.
The church is open from 07:00 to 12:00 and from 15:30 to 19:30 in winter, from 07:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30 in summer. Bank holidays, from 07:30 to 12:30 and from 16:00 to 21:00.
How to book
You need to book in advance to visit the refectory with Da Vinci's painting. Visit the website using the link above or use the telephone number to do so. It tends to fill up pretty quickly, so we recommend you book well in advance.
How to get passes
Tickets for the refectory cost 10€, with a reduced price of 5€ for students between 18 and 25 years of age from the EU. Free for children under 18, disabled people from the EU, and teachers with a valid ID.
