If you are planning a trip to Milan and are interested in art or history, seeing The Last Supper is likely on your to-do list. Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece is in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, but it is not easy to get a glimpse of the painting.
The painting is in a unique location, and the room can only hold a limited number of people at specific intervals throughout the day, so you need to plan well.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about seeing The Last Supper and how to make the most of your visit.
What is The Last Supper?
If you have never seen Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper or are interested in what it is about, here is a bit of background.
Between 1495 and 1498, da Vinci painted The Last Supper, which illustrates when Jesus shares with his disciples that one of them will betray him.
The painting shows the different emotional responses and has a lot of detailed work that makes it a masterpiece.
Despite its fame, The Last Supper has suffered damage over the years. It has been restored to preserve its original look.
Why Visiting The Last Supper in Milan Requires Advance Planning
Before getting into the details of what to see, it’s essential to understand why visiting The Last Supper requires advance planning.
This painting is not in a typical museum, and da Vinci painted it directly on a wall in the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery. To protect the art, there are strict limitations on how many people can be in the room at one time.
Only a small group of people can see the painting at specific times throughout the day, and each group only has about fifteen minutes to view the painting. The strict rules mean that tickets sell out well in advance.
Some people expect to turn up and get a ticket, but this is almost never the case. The best way to ensure you get to see the painting on your visit to Milan is to book your ticket online in advance.
How to Book Tickets for The Last Supper
Tickets are available, but due to the strict limitations on the number of visitors and the timing of viewings, tickets sell out well before the day.
Tickets all have a specific time slot, and when you book your ticket online, you choose what time you want to visit.
The best way to ensure you get tickets is to buy them online well in advance of your trip. You can also visit milanlastsuppertickets.com for more information about available time slot options.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit The Last Supper
Some people choose to visit the Last Supper in the morning, as the early morning time slots tend to be less rushed. However, tickets for any available time slot are difficult to come by, so it is most important to get a ticket than worry about the best time to visit.
What to Expect on Your Visit to The Last Supper
When you arrive at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, you will enter a climate-controlled room that protects the art masterpiece.
You will not be able to take any flash photography of the painting, and visitors are expected to be respectful throughout the visit.
With only fifteen minutes allotted for each visit, make sure you take the time to appreciate Leonardo’s work fully.
See Other Attractions Near The Last Supper
The visit to The Last Supper only takes about fifteen minutes, so you will have time to see other attractions nearby.
The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is worth visiting, but if you want some more popular attractions that are located close by, consider visiting:
- Castello Sforzesco
- The Duomo di Milano
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Planning your visit to The Last Supper for the morning will give you time to see other places. However, it is best not to cram too much into your itinerary, especially since you may have limited time during your visit to Milan.
Final Thoughts
Visiting The Last Supper in Milan is not an easy feat, and if you want to do so without stress, make sure you plan well.
Tickets will need to be purchased online well in advance, and there are strict regulations regarding visit timings.
If you want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic work in all its glory, proper planning is needed. However, once you are on site, this experience will make your trip to Milan one to remember!