Visitor Guide for Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie tickets

The Last Supper, or Il Cenacolo, is located in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Milan.

It’s one of the most in-demand attractions in Italy, with “only 30 people allowed inside every 15 minutes”.

This strict limit helps protect the artwork but makes getting a ticket tricky, especially during holidays or tourist season.

Most basic tickets sell out 2 to 3 months in advance.

If you’re planning a trip to Milan and this is on your list (and it should be), you’ll want to act fast, or keep reading for backup plans.

Snapshot

Mon to Sat: 7 am–1 pm, 3 pm–7.30 pm

Sun: 7.30 am–12.30 pm, 3 pm–9 pm

Duration: 75 mins

Best time: 3 to 4 pm

Church entry: Free

Last Supper ticket: €59 onwards

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Basic Last Supper entry ticket

If you want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper without any extras, the basic entry ticket is your most affordable option.

But keep in mind, it’s also the hardest one to get.

Here’s what the basic ticket includes:

  • Timed access to the refectory (Last Supper room)
  • A strict 15-minute viewing window
  • Entry limited to 30 people per time slot

Note: Many tourists attempt to book The Last Supper tickets at the last minute, only to discover they are already sold out.

Ticket prices:

  • Adult (18+ years): €15
  • EU Citizens with valid ID (18 to 25 years): €2
  • Children (under 18 years): Free

You can also add a guidebook in English, Italian, Spanish, or French for a small extra fee when booking.

Is it sold out? Here’s how to still get in

Let’s be honest. By the time you’re searching for tickets, they’re probably gone, especially during peak seasons.

So what can you do?

The answer: Guided tours.

These are your best bets to score a ticket even when official ones are sold out. They include access to the refectory, skip-the-line entry, and often a guide who explains the mural’s secrets and backstory.

Why tours are a great solution:

  • Tour companies pre-book group slots in advance
  • You get guaranteed entry even if the general tickets are gone
  • It saves you from the frustration of checking the official site again and again

You’ll find tour options on platforms like Tiqets and GetYourGuide. Always check availability for your preferred day and time.

Guided tours of The Last Supper: A guaranteed ticket

Not only do guided tours help you get in at the last minute, but they also make the experience richer. Without a guide, most tourists spend 15 minutes staring at the mural, unsure of what to look for.

With a guide, you’ll uncover fascinating details like:

  • Why the mural survived WWII bombings
  • Why Judas is spilling salt (and how it started a superstition)
  • What makes da Vinci’s technique unique and fragile

What types of guided tours are available?

  • ⏱️ 30-minute express tour: Focuses only on The Last Supper
  • 🕰️ 60-minute full experience: Includes the mural, the church, and the cloister
  • 🏙️ City combo tours: Add sites like Teatro alla Scala or Sforza Castle

Prices for guided tours start around €55 and vary based on length and extras.

The other masterpiece on display: Giovanni Donato’s Crucifixion

Combo tours to explore more of Milan in a day

If you’re already visiting The Last Supper, it’s smart to combine it with other top attractions nearby. This saves time, money, and energy.

Three of the most popular combo tickets are:

Last Supper + Guided tour of Milan (€90)

Last Supper, di Milano & Teatro alla Scala (€99)

Last Supper, di Milano & Sforza Castle (€134)

Itinerary Tip: Discover why, if time allows, it’s worth visiting both Duomo di Milano and Santa Maria delle Grazie. If you’re short on time or on a budget, learn why prioritizing The Last Supper church might be the better choice. Plus, get detailed directions on how to travel from the Duomo to Santa Maria.

Free entry on the first Sunday, but is it worth it?

Yes, The Last Supper Museum (Cenacolo Vinciano) offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month. But here’s what you need to know:

🗓️ Tickets are released on the official website on Wednesday before at 12 pm (Italy time)
🎟️ You must book online, even for free entry
👥 Max 5 tickets per person
😩 These tickets vanish within minutes

Also, expect bigger crowds and longer waiting times. If you do want to visit on a free Sunday, plan to arrive right when the church opens for a more peaceful experience.

How to activate your ticket when you arrive

Map of Cenacolo Vinciano

Once you have a ticket (whether basic or tour-based), follow these steps to avoid any last-minute issues:

  1. Arrive at the ticket office, 10 meters to the left of the museum entrance
  2. Show your ID or passport – tickets are named
  3. Get your ticket activated
  4. Drop bags or large items in the lockers provided
  5. Be there at least 30 minutes early to keep your entry valid

Important links: Opening hours, How to reach & Entrance fee

Cancellation policy
Tickets purchased through the official website are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
That’s why it is important to double-check your chosen date and time before completing your purchase.
However, tour aggregators such as Tiqets and GetYourGuide offer cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before your visit.

Santa Maria delle Grazie’s dress code

A comparison image of dress code allowed and not allowed.

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a functioning church, and they strictly enforce a dress code. Even with a valid ticket, you can be turned away for inappropriate clothing.

Our advice? Wear comfortable, respectful clothing and good walking shoes. You’ll be on your feet for a while.