Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, Milan

Church in Milan

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Marcin Białek

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is one of the top attractions in Milan, and standing in front of it is an experience that feels far more intimate and intense than any reproduction can suggest. Housed in the former Dominican refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie on Corso Magenta, the mural sits within a Gothic brick complex whose six-sided dome was redesigned in refined Early Renaissance style by Bramante. The church and monastery were badly damaged during World War II, but the refectory wall bearing the Cenacolo Vinciano somehow survived, making each carefully controlled visit feel like a privilege.

Beyond the masterpiece itself, Santa Maria delle Grazie is a beautiful church to explore, from its uncovered sgraffito paintings in the dome to the Baroque chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie. The combination of quiet cloisters, a richly decorated interior, and Leonardo's revolutionary mural makes this a highlight of any walking tour of Milan, especially if you are interested in how art, architecture, and faith intersect in one atmospheric corner of the city.

History and Significance of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
Things to See and Do in the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
How to Get to the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
Practical Tips on Visiting the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
Where to Stay close to the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
Is the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
Nearby Attractions to the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

History and Significance of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Santa Maria delle Grazie began to rise around 1465 as a Gothic brick church attached to a Dominican monastery on what is now Corso Magenta. Later, under the patronage of the Sforza family, the complex gained its elegant six-sided dome, attributed to Donato Bramante, one of the leading architects of the Italian Renaissance. This blend of late Gothic and Early Renaissance elements gives the church its distinctive silhouette and sets the stage for Leonardo’s extraordinary wall painting in the adjoining refectory.

Leonardo painted the Last Supper between 1495 and 1497 directly on the refectory wall, using an experimental tempera technique rather than traditional fresco. This allowed him more time to work and rework the composition, but it also made the painting more vulnerable to humidity and decay. Even before World War II, the mural had already begun to deteriorate, and the bombing that damaged much of the complex left the refectory exposed to the elements, further accelerating its decline.

Despite this fragility, the Last Supper has become one of the most studied and revered artworks in the world. It marks a turning point in the depiction of biblical scenes, shifting from static, iconic arrangements to a moment of psychological drama and human emotion. The painting has undergone multiple restoration campaigns, and while conservation may never truly be “finished,” these efforts have preserved enough of Leonardo’s vision to continue moving viewers from around the globe.

Things to See and Do in the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

The focal point of any visit is, of course, the mural itself, known as the Cenacolo Vinciano. Unlike earlier, more formal depictions of the Last Supper, Leonardo captures the instant when Christ announces that one of the apostles will betray him. Each figure reacts differently-shock, disbelief, anger, confusion-creating a dynamic web of gestures and expressions that still feels modern today. Take time to study the grouping of the apostles, the subtle lines of perspective, and the way the architectural setting extends the real refectory into the painted space.

Before or after your timed viewing, explore the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The Early Renaissance dome, with its refined proportions and uncovered sgraffito decorations, is a beautiful counterpoint to the more austere Gothic brickwork. In the north aisle, the Baroque chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie holds an altarpiece dedicated to the Madonna, offering a quieter devotional focus after the intensity of the refectory. Walking through the church, you get a sense of the spiritual environment in which Leonardo’s work was originally contemplated.

If you have time, look for information on the post-war restoration and the archaeological context of the site. Panels and guides often explain how the complex was damaged and rebuilt, and how carefully controlled access and climate management now help protect the painting. Combining your visit here with a stop at the Duomo or nearby museums gives you a fuller picture of Renaissance Milan, making this one of the must-see places in Milan for anyone piecing together the city's artistic story.

How to Get to the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Leonardo's Last Supper is located in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie on Corso Magenta, west of Milan's historic centre. Most international visitors arrive via Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, or Orio al Serio (Bergamo) airports, from which shuttle buses, trains, and taxis connect to central Milan and its main stations. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Milan on Booking.com.

Once in the city, the easiest way to reach Santa Maria delle Grazie is by public transport: the metro, trams, and buses all serve stops within a short walk of Corso Magenta, and many visitors also choose to stroll from central landmarks like the Duomo or Castello Sforzesco.Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If you are travelling by car, be aware that central Milan has traffic restrictions and paid congestion zones, and parking near Corso Magenta can be limited; it is often simpler to leave your vehicle in a garage outside the very centre and continue by metro, tram, or on foot.If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Suggested tips: Book your ticket well in advance, as access is strictly controlled in small, timed groups and same-day availability is rare, especially in peak season.
Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon slots often feel calmer, and visiting earlier in the day gives you more flexibility to explore nearby sights afterwards.
Entrance fee: Adults: € 30.00
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Official website: https://www.milan-museum.com/booking-tickets.php
How long to spend: Each viewing slot allows only a short time (often around 15 minutes) in front of the painting, but you should allow at least an hour in total for check-in, the antechambers, and a look inside the church.
Accessibility: The site is relatively compact, with step-free access for most visitors, but you will need to arrive early for security checks and to join your group; if you have mobility needs, inform staff in advance where possible.
Facilities: Expect a ticket office, security screening, and basic facilities; cafés, shops, and toilets are available nearby along Corso Magenta and in the surrounding streets.
Photography tip: Photography of the painting itself is often restricted or prohibited-respect the rules and instead focus on capturing the church exterior, the dome, and details around Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Guided tours: Consider joining a guided tour that includes your time slot for the Last Supper plus a walk through the church and surrounding neighbourhood for deeper context.
Nearby food options: After your visit, explore Corso Magenta and the side streets for cafés and trattorias where you can sit, reflect, and discuss what you have just seen.

Where to Stay close to the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Staying near Santa Maria delle Grazie makes it easy to reach your timed slot without rushing and puts you within comfortable walking distance of many central sights. For a stylish stay near the Duomo and Galleria yet still a short metro or tram ride from Corso Magenta, Room Mate Giulia offers colourful contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. If you prefer something classic and very central, Rosa Grand Milano - Starhotels Collezione provides elegant rooms just off Piazza del Duomo, convenient for combining the Last Supper with other major sights. A more intimate option is Hotel Spadari al Duomo, a warmly decorated hotel with an artistic feel, within walking distance of the cathedral and an easy hop by public transport to Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Is the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper Worth Visiting?

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is unquestionably worth the effort of advance booking and strict time slots. Seeing the mural in person reveals nuances of scale, colour, and emotion that no reproduction can match, from the smallest gestures of the apostles' hands to the quiet stillness of Christ at the centre of the storm. The setting-a modest monastic refectory attached to a beautiful Renaissance church-adds to the impact, reminding you that this world-famous artwork was created for a specific spiritual community, not for a museum. For art lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious travellers alike, it is a highlight of any visit to Milan.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (12,185)

Leonardo's Last Supper Museum at Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie 2 houses Leonardo da Vinci's mural The Last Supper and offers a tightly controlled, intimate viewing: tickets must be bought in advance online, entry is strictly timed (arrive 15 minutes early), visits are brief (about 15–30 minutes in the refectory) and groups are guided with audio headsets; staff may require bags in free lockers, scanners detect food and drink, waiting is usually in the square, and there are information boards, toilets at the exit and a small shop.

kohwai p

a week ago

"My guide truly did her best to make the entire visit unforgettable. We gathered at the museum entrance around 2:45 pm for the 3 pm entry slot, andshe arrived exactly on time, immediately setting the tone with a clear and engaging briefing. From the very first moment, it was obvious that she knew the subject deeply and cared about helping us appreciate it.Inside the refectory, her explanation of The Last Supper was outstanding. She did not just describe what we were seeing; she unpacked the story behind each detail and linked it to the history, the Gospel narrative, and Leonardo’s personality as an artist and scientist. The way she explained the use of light, the sense of three‑dimensional space, and the perspective lines guiding our eyes to Jesus completely changed how I looked at the painting. Her clarification about the common myths, especially the misunderstanding about Mary Magdalene, was particularly intriguing and helped me see the work with fresh eyes.Because of her passion and the way she structured the visit, the 15 minutes in front of the mural felt incredibly short, like the blink of an eye. Yet in that brief time, she managed to reveal layers of meaning that I would have completely missed on my own. Even after we left the mural room, she didn’t rush off; she continued her commentary in the garden outside, answering questions with patience and depth. The informal Q&A there was just as interesting as the time inside, and it showed how knowledgeable and approachable she is.This visit ended up being much more than simply “seeing a famous masterpiece.” Standing in the same dining hall where Leonardo da Vinci once worked, listening to her bring the scene to life, made me feel as if I was sharing the same space across centuries. That sense of co ection between past and present is something no audio guide or book could give me. For me, this experience was truly priceless, and I would highly recommend this guide to anyone who wants to understand The Last Supper on a deeper level, not just tick it off a list. Thank you Ms Sophia. Booking the tickets itself required an enormous amount of effort and persistence. I had to keep checking the release dates against past opening patterns, monitor the calendar, and even set repeated reminders on my phone so I would not miss the next batch of tickets. In spite of all that, I was still a little late and could only secure a 3 pm slot instead of the morning time I originally hoped for. Even so, I genuinely feel lucky and blessed that we managed to get tickets at all.For anyone pla ing a visit, my advice is to treat the ticket like a limited‑edition event. Study the past release dates, make a rough projection of when the next tickets might be opened, and immediately put reminders in your phone calendar a few days before and on the expected release day. Check the official site regularly and be ready to book the moment slots appear, because they can disappear in minutes. Securing the visit in advance is absolutely worth the effort. For my family, this has been a once‑in‑a‑lifetime encounter. Watching my 13‑ and 18‑year‑old stand in front of Leonardo’s masterpiece, listening to the guide and absorbing the story, felt incredibly meaningful. I truly hope that, as they grow older, they will remember not only the painting itself but also the experience of being there, the history, the emotion, and the sense of standing in the same space where Leonardo once worked. This is the kind of cultural memory that stays with you for life...."

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Varto Basmajian

a month ago

"Visiting the Last Supper Museum in Milan requires significant advance pla ing, as there are no ticket sales on site. All tickets must be purchasedonline, and securing them is widely regarded as one of the most challenging museum bookings in Europe. Tickets are released only four times per year. For instance, tickets for the period from 1 November through 31 January become available on 30 September of that year. In addition, the museum releases a very small number of supplementary tickets every Wednesday at 12:00 PM (Milan time) for dates within the following couple of weeks. As a result, obtaining tickets often requires pla ing months in advance and checking the booking system diligently each Wednesday. It is, without exaggeration, a rather daunting and time-consuming process. Fortunately, we managed to secure a morning time slot during the week we were visiting Milan. Visitors must arrive at the gate 15 minutes before the scheduled entry time. The visit itself is strictly timed: you are allowed only 15 minutes inside the refectory to view Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. While brief, the controlled environment helps preserve the fragile mural and ensures a quiet, intimate viewing experience. Despite the effort required to obtain tickets, the experience is unequivocally worth it. The painting is breathtaking; even after centuries of deterioration, restoration, and careful preservation, the mastery of Leonardo’s technique remains evident. The composition, the expressions, and the sheer presence of the work are awe inspiring and offer a profound co ection to one of the greatest masterpieces in art history. A visit to the Last Supper is unquestionably worth the logistical challenge. It stands as one of Milan’s most extraordinary cultural treasures...."

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A ie X

3 weeks ago

"You MUST buy tickets in advance and don’t even think about getting the non tour tickets because they DO NOT have them available. I bought mine 2months in advance for €10 more than the non tour regular tickets so it wasn’t that big of a heartbreak. When we got to the ticket office, they didn’t actually check our passports for us to get the audio earphones. They just checked the QR code on my phone. PLEASE BE ON TIME THOUGH. They’re not playing around when they say show up 15min before the start of the tour because they will start on time. We showed up half an hour before our tour start time of 3pm to get tickets and ended up waiting about 15min but at 2:45, the tour guide starts getting everyone ready for the tour. The tour was pretty good and we got to spend a decent amount of time (half an hour) inside the actual room where the painting was. There are benches to sit so you’re not expected to stand the whole time. You’ll have lots of opportunities to take photos (no videos) of the painting. They also give you headphones so you can hear the tour guide when they’re speaking. There were around 30 people in our group and it didn’t feel crowded at all. The whole tour took about 45min in total. I would say this was worth the €25per person we spent and you can also walk to the church and castle afterwards!..."

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FAQs for Visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended, as visits are limited to small groups in timed slots and often sell out days or weeks ahead.

Each group is usually allowed only a brief, carefully controlled viewing time (often around 15 minutes) inside the refectory to help protect the fragile mural.

While the atmosphere is less formal than in a church service, modest dress is still advised out of respect for the religious setting.

Yes, children are welcome, but it helps to prepare them for the brief, quiet viewing time and the need to follow staff instructions closely.

Nearby Attractions to the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

Santa Maria delle Grazie Church: The adjoining Gothic-Renaissance church with Bramante’s dome, Baroque chapels, and a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere.
Museo Nazionale della Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci: A major museum dedicated to science, technology, and Leonardo’s inventions, located a short walk away.
Castello Sforzesco: A vast Renaissance fortress with multiple museums and a pleasant park, easily reached on foot or by tram from Corso Magenta.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: The grand 19th-century shopping arcade beside Piazza del Duomo, perfect for a stroll under its glass and iron roof.
Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): The city's iconic Gothic cathedral with spectacular stained glass and rooftop terraces, a natural companion visit to the Last Supper.

The Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Milan!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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