Things to Do in Milano

Visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie

A famous convent, home of The Last Supper

The facade of the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. (Photo Credit: Marcin Białek)

Santa Maria delle Grazie is beautiful 15th century church and Dominican Convent, located to the west of the city center. While the Duomo di Milano is the most iconic religious monument in the city, Santa Maria can rival its historical importance. The convent is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous mural, Il Cenacolo — The Last Supper, in English. The widely recognizable painting contributes to making Santa Maria delle Grazie a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Last Supper was commissioned by the Duke of Milano and later completed in 1497. The masterpiece is said to be a depiction of Christ, among his apostles, shortly after declaring that he would be betrayed by one of them. For the work itself, da Vinci has been hailed as starting a new era of art history. His use of light and perspective in the tempera-based painting is simply magnificent. During World War II, bombings in Milano severely damaged the church and convent, but fortunately the painting was protected and later restored.

When visiting Milano, Santa Maria delle Grazie should be high on your list of places to visit. Note that access to the church and convent is free, but you will require a timed ticket to view Il Cenacolo. Located just south of Milano Cardona, Santa Maria is very accessible by mass transit. However, it is not located in the immediate vicinity of some of the other major tourist destinations near the Duomo. While in the area, you can also plan to visit Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard. Located across the street from the church, the vineyards include more exhibits dedicated to the renaissance man.

Il Cenacolo, known also as The Last Supper, by Leonardo di Vinci. (Photo Credit: Public Domain)

Good to Know

• Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie is very accessible using mass transit, either the M1 (red) or M2 (green) metros, or by tram. Cadorna is the closest major stop.
• Admission to the church is free, but you will need a timed ticket (typically €15) to view The Last Supper. Demand is usually high, so plan your visit well in advance.
• Access to the church and the famous painting is available seven days a week, but as with all tourist attractions, check the schedule for specific times before your visit.
• The museum offers timed lockers to store your personal belongings before you begin your tour.

Read More

• Yes Milano: Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie
• Yes Milano: Il Cenacolo
• Cenacolo Vinciano
• Unesco World Heritage Center

Map