The Last Supper Painting by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the world’s most celebrated artworks and is housed in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie Chuch in Milan, Italy.
This iconic painting features a biblical scene where Jesus is shown sharing his last meal with his twelve apostles, as one of them, Judas, prepares to betray him.
If you’re planning a visit to this masterpiece, we’ll provide you with every information you need to have a smooth and enriching experience, from last supper tickets to tips for visiting we’ll help you understand everything.
Book Your Last Supper Tickets In Advance
As we know Last Supper is a world-renowned painting, and due to such popularity, there are only limited viewing slots available every day. With such immense demand the tickets to see the Last Supper sell out quickly. That’s why we always suggest you book your Last Supper Tickets much ahead of your planned visit. You can get your tickets either from the official websites which is the cheapest option as well. However, if they run out of the ticket or your preferred dates, you can get your tickets from the third-party ticket sellers. Also if none of these two options work, remember that you can also find a lot of ticket sellers outside the church who sell tickets for the Last Supper. Even though they might be a little bit costlier, you will be able to use those tickets.
Keep in mind that each visitor is allowed only 15 minutes in front of the artwork to preserve its delicate condition, so plan to make the most of your time.
How to Reach Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in Milan’s historic district and is accessible by several transportation options:
- Metro: The closest station to Santa Maria church is Conciliazione on the M1 (red line) or Cadorna on the M2 (green line), both of these stations are just about a 10-minute walk from the church.
- Bus and Tram: You can also use a variety of Trams as well as Buses to get to the Last Supper. Get on the Bus line 58 or 61 or if you prefer a tram ride go for tram number 16 and 19 to reach the Church conveniently.
- Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available in Milan and are one of the most comfortable ways to reach the Last Supper. All you have to do is book a ride straight to Santa Maria Church and you will be there without any hassle.
Best Time to Visit Last Supper
For a quieter and less crowded visiting experience, plan your visit early in the morning right after the church opens for the day, or if you are not an early bird, try to visit late in the afternoon, when crowds are typically smaller.
Never plan your visit on the weekends as they don’t only attract tourists but locals as well love to travel on their holidays. Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends making it an ideal time to pay your visit to Leonardo’s masterpiece. We suggest you arrive at the attraction 15 minutes before your selected time slot, as the church authorities are quite strict about the admission timings and with late arrivals, you may risk missing your chance to enter.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Once you arrive at the Santa Maria delle Grazie, you’ll join a small group of visitors for your tour of the Last Supper. Remember that every visitor must go through the security check first as it is essential for the safety of the artwork and everyone else inside the church. After the security checkup, you will enter a climate-controlled room where the Last Supper is displayed. This room is actually the refractory of the church. Every visit is limited to only 15 15-minute viewing period, which means once inside the refractory you will only have 15 minutes to adore and admire this iconic artwork. This viewing period limitation not only helps with the preservation of the masterpiece but also maintains a respectful and peaceful atmosphere.
So, enjoy every single minute there and try to study the intricate details of da Vinci’s work, from the lifelike expressions of each apostle to the incredible composition and use of perspective that bring this scene to life.
Essential Tips for Visiting
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of your Last Supper experience:
- Guided Tours: If you are a history buff or are just generally interested in the history and artistry of the Last Supper, you must buy a guided tour as it can be incredibly insightful. With a guide by your side, you will get to know details and stories about the background of Leonardo da Vinci’s process and the fascinating story behind the painting’s preservation.
- Photography: Please note that due to the preservation efforts made by the church taking pictures of Last Supper is strictly prohibited. This policy helps protect the fresco from potential damage.
- Quiet Observation: Visitors are encouraged to be quiet to maintain the reverence of the experience. This allows everyone inside the room to enjoy their visit and fully appreciate the artwork.
- Nearby Attractions: Do not conclude your tour at just Last Supper. Consider exploring the nearby attractions to the Santa Maria church such as Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione after your visit. Both are within walking distance and offer a broader glimpse into Milan’s rich history.
