Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan - a painting on the side of a building
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Santa Maria delle Grazie Milan

4.6
·18k reviews·Milano, Italy

Home to Leonardo da Vinci's iconic 'The Last Supper,' this Renaissance church is a must-visit for art and history lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan - a painting on the side of a building

Santa Maria delle Grazie Milan

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Home to Leonardo da Vinci's iconic 'The Last Supper,' this Renaissance church is a must-visit for art and history lovers. TikTok

4.6
(18k reviews)

"It's a masterpiece that must be included in your bucket list!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book 'The Last Supper' Tickets

Tickets sell out months in advance! Book directly from the official site when they're released.

🎟️ Vivaticket Account Needed

Pay attention to activating your Vivaticket account before you can purchase tickets.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Last Supper

The Last Supper

Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie

Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, a must-see for art lovers and history buffs.

TikTok
Santa Maria delle Grazie Church

Santa Maria delle Grazie Church

Main Church Area

Admire the stunning Renaissance architecture and intricate Gothic interior of this historic church.

TikTok

Planning Your Visit

Book The Last Supper Tickets EARLY

Tickets for Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' at Santa Maria delle Grazie sell out months in advance. Book directly from the official ticketing site as soon as your dates are released to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Plan Your Visit Timing

The church itself is free to enter, but viewing 'The Last Supper' requires a timed ticket. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds within the church and enjoy a more serene experience. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Debes visitar la última cena en Milán, sin importar que religión seas, es una masterpiece que debes incluir en tu bucket list 🖼️😍. #thelastsupper #laultimacena #milan ...
@priscilafloresp
30K likes • 384.8K views

🎯 Book 'The Last Supper' Tickets

Tickets sell out months in advance! Book directly from the official site when they're released. Reddit+1

🎟️ Vivaticket Account Needed

Pay attention to activating your Vivaticket account before you can purchase tickets. Reddit

Your one day trip guide to Milan, Italy. #milan #milano #milanitaly #italytravel #italytiktok #italy #italytok #travellife #travelguide #traveling #wanderlust #thingstodoinmilan #milantraveltips #euro...
@fansilantana
18.6K likes • 608.3K views
reddit.com

How difficult is it to book tickets to The Last Supper online?

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours as Backup

If tickets are sold out, consider a guided tour that includes entry. Reddit

⛪ Church Entry is Free

You can visit the main church area without a ticket for 'The Last Supper'. TikTok

reddit.com

Holy crap, I didn’t realize how hard it would be to buy tickets to see The Last Supper

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book 'The Last Supper' Tickets

Tickets sell out months in advance! Book directly from the official site when they're released. Reddit+1

🎟️ Vivaticket Account Needed

Pay attention to activating your Vivaticket account before you can purchase tickets. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours as Backup

If tickets are sold out, consider a guided tour that includes entry. Reddit

⛪ Church Entry is Free

You can visit the main church area without a ticket for 'The Last Supper'. TikTok

📸 Respect the Artwork

No flash photography is allowed inside the refectory where 'The Last Supper' is displayed. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(18k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Santa Maria delle Grazie is overwhelmingly praised for housing Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper,' a truly breathtaking masterpiece. Visitors also appreciate the church's beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. However, the extreme difficulty in obtaining tickets for the fresco is a significant point of frustration for many. Reddit+1

"Very beautiful place! It’s best to go right when it opens. It’s free and very cool to actually see the last supper painting in person. Don’t expect anything HUGE, it’s not too big but it is amazing to see in person. It has a nice courtyard and beautiful other paintings. The gift shop is has nice things to buy to save the memory. The workers/volunteers are very nice. I still don’t get why holy water costs money, blessings should be free right?"

Josh Little

"I love this beautiful church! It is famous for the Last Supper’s exhibit but the church itself with the little garden in the middle of the court yard is so peaceful and spiritual. I love the Church’s shop too. This church has a great vibe about it. The church is always open and free But the exhibit required tickets well in advance!"

Sa Mo

"If this is something you want to see in Milan, book it well in advance. I used Viator and was very happy with the customer service. The tour was excellent and our guide was an absolute expert. No tank tops in the church. You must have covered shoulders out of respect. No questions asked. They will not let you in. This is stated on writing in the online bookings and email confirmations."

Bevan Brunelle

What People Like

The Last Supper masterpiece
Beautiful church architecture
Serene atmosphere

What People Dislike

Ticket booking difficulty

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Santa Maria delle Grazie is easily accessible by public transport. Take Tram 2 or Tram 12 to the 'Santa Maria delle Grazie' stop. Alternatively, the Conciliazione Metro station (Line M1) is a short walk away. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from the Duomo area. TikTok

Yes, it's relatively close to other key Milan sights. It's about a 20-minute walk from the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, making it easy to combine with a day of sightseeing. TikTok

Driving in central Milan can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking. It's generally recommended to use public transport. If you do drive, look for paid parking garages in the vicinity. Reddit

Approaching from the Navigli district or walking from the city center offers beautiful views. Many visitors are struck by the church's imposing facade upon arrival. TikTok

Yes, Milan's public transport system (ATM) offers daily and multi-day passes that cover trams, buses, and metro lines, including those serving Santa Maria delle Grazie. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' must be purchased in advance, often months ahead, directly from the official ticketing website (Vivaticket). They are released in batches and sell out extremely quickly. Reddit+1

Tickets are typically released for specific months. For example, tickets for August, September, and October might go on sale at the end of June. It's crucial to check the official website for the exact release schedule. Reddit

The standard ticket price for 'The Last Supper' is around €15-€20, but this can vary slightly. Booking fees may also apply. TikTok

It is highly unlikely to get tickets on the day of your visit as they sell out months in advance. It's strongly advised to book online well ahead of time. Reddit+1

If you're unable to secure direct tickets, consider booking a guided tour through reputable platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, as these often include pre-booked entry. Reddit

No, entry to the main church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is generally free. The ticket is specifically for viewing Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' in the refectory. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography, especially with flash, is strictly prohibited inside the refectory where 'The Last Supper' is displayed to protect the fragile artwork. TikTok

Yes, the exterior of the church and its cloister offer beautiful architectural details for photography. The surrounding piazza also provides good vantage points. TikTok

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light on the church's facade, making it ideal for exterior shots. TikTok

Generally, you can take photos inside the main church area, but always be respectful and avoid using flash, especially during services. TikTok

The piazza in front of the church offers a classic view. Exploring the adjacent cloisters can also yield unique photographic perspectives. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie with children can be a rewarding experience, especially if you manage to secure tickets for 'The Last Supper.' While the viewing time is short, the sheer scale and drama of the painting can capture a child's imagination. TikTok Remember that photography is not allowed, so encourage kids to observe and discuss what they see. TikTok

For younger children, the main church area offers space to move around more freely, and the cloisters can be a pleasant spot for a brief break. Consider bringing a small sketchbook for them to draw architectural details or the church's atmosphere. TikTok If 'The Last Supper' tickets are unavailable, focus on the historical significance of the church and its role in Milanese history. Reddit

🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts

For those passionate about art and history, Santa Maria delle Grazie is an essential Milanese destination. The primary draw is, of course, Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper,' a pivotal work of the Renaissance. TikTok Studying its composition, the psychological portrayal of the apostles, and the innovative techniques used by Leonardo is a profound experience. TikTok

Beyond the fresco, the church itself is a testament to Renaissance architecture and monastic life. Delve into its history, admire the works of artists like Bramante (who contributed to the tribune), and appreciate the blend of architectural styles. TikTok Consider booking a guided tour that focuses on the art and history to gain deeper insights into the context and significance of both the painting and the convent. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'

Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, 'The Last Supper' (Il Cenacolo), is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This iconic fresco depicts the moment Jesus announces that one of his apostles will betray him. The painting is renowned for its masterful composition, emotional depth, and innovative use of perspective. Due to its fragility, viewing is strictly controlled, with limited numbers of visitors allowed in at any one time. TikTok

Booking tickets is the most critical step for experiencing this artwork. They are notoriously difficult to obtain, often selling out months in advance. Visitors are advised to book directly through the official ticketing portal and be prepared for the release dates. Reddit+1 The viewing experience itself is brief, typically around 15 minutes, but intensely impactful. TikTok

Despite the challenges in securing tickets, 'The Last Supper' remains a pilgrimage site for art enthusiasts worldwide. Its enduring power lies in its artistic brilliance and its profound religious and cultural significance. TikTok Many visitors describe it as a 'masterpiece that must be included in your bucket list.' TikTok

Exploring Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie is a significant example of Renaissance architecture, with a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Originally a Dominican convent church, it was commissioned by Francesco I Sforza, Duke of Milan. The church's facade is a striking example of Lombard Renaissance architecture, while the interior boasts a more solemn, Gothic feel with a single nave. TikTok

Beyond the refectory housing 'The Last Supper,' the church itself is a place of quiet contemplation and artistic merit. Visitors can admire the beautiful cloisters, which offer a peaceful escape and a glimpse into monastic life. The architecture and serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit even without a ticket to the famous fresco. TikTok

Many visitors find the church's ambiance to be a welcome contrast to the bustling city outside. It's a place where history, art, and spirituality converge, offering a unique cultural experience in Milan. TikTok

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