Seeone of the most famous paintings in the world in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie,a church and convent in central Milan. Leonardo Da Vinci’s mural, The Last Supper, is housed in a humblerefectory behind the church and is one of the most popular attractions in thecity. The important cultural site is worth a visit not only for the artwork,but to admire the cavernous church itself.
Takein the renaissance architecture of the church and convent. The Santa MariaDelle Grazie was badly damaged by heavy bombing during World War II but itsmost prized possession, The Last Supper,was unscathed. Today visitors from all over the world flock to see the 15th-century painting.
Buytickets for The Last Supper well inadvance. You can do so on the official website or through a travel agent. Themural is protected behind glass doors in the refectory. Visitors are takenthrough in small groups at allocated times stated on the tickets. Don’t belate, as the 15-minute tours are run on a tight schedule. Guides speak inItalian pick up a headset on the way in to listen to the same talk in English.
Learnabout the symbolism and importance of the painting. Note its large size andminute details. The Last Suppermeasures 460 centimetres by 880 centimetres (180 inches by 350 inches).
Oncethe tour is over spend time admiring the main church. The gothic-style nave hasan arched ceiling decorated with detailed patterns and the chapel walls arelined with frescoes by artist Gaudenzio Ferrari. Sit on the pews for a fewmoments of quiet reflection. The enormous dark interior remains cool year-roundand is a great place to escape the sticky Italian heat in summer.
TheSanta Maria delle Grazie is located in central Milan within walking distance ofthe Duomo. Catch the tram to a stop just outside or come by car and park innearby streets. The church is open every day. Explore the main church for freebut pay to see The Last Supper.
