Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the convergence of art, history, and spirituality.
The historic Church and Dominican convent houses a wealth of artistic treasures, most notably Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper.
While The Last Supper draws countless visitors, this tourist attraction is much more than Leonardo’s painting.
Let’s explain in more detail what you should not miss at Santa Maria delle Grazie.
What’s inside the refectory
The refectory, often called the Last Supper Museum (Cenacolo Vinciano), functions as a controlled environment to protect The Last Supper from further deterioration.
Accessing the refectory requires a timed ticket due to limited capacity and high demand.
To secure your preferred time slot, these tickets must be booked well in advance, often several months ahead of your desired visit date.
The limited viewing time of 15 minutes for groups of 40 people helps preserve the fragile artwork.
Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece
The Last Supper, a renowned masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, is the focal point of the Santa Maria delle Grazie refectory.
This iconic artwork, completed between 1495 and 1498, is not a true fresco but a mural painted in tempera on a prepared wall surface.
Its creation was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, as part of a broader renovation of the church and convent.
The Last Supper adorns the north wall of the refectory, which was once the dining hall for the Dominican monks residing in the convent.
Insider knowledge: Tips to make your visit to The Last Supper unforgettable
Crucifixion fresco
On the south wall, facing The Last Supper is another notable fresco, The Crucifixion, painted by Giovanni Donato da Montorfano in 1495.
The Crucifixion complements The Last Supper, offering a contrasting yet interconnected biblical narrative.
It is believed that Leonardo may have contributed to The Crucifixion by painting portraits of the duke and his family into the lower portion of the fresco.
Frieze
The refectory also features a frescoed frieze on its western wall.
This frieze dates back to the same period as The Last Supper, suggesting a unified artistic program for the refectory during its renovation under Ludovico Sforza.
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What’s to see inside the church
The interior of Santa Maria delle Grazie church showcases a captivating fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The main part of the church, the nave, was designed in the Gothic style by architect Guiniforte Solari.
Over the years, the church did many renovations, and only some of the original Gothic elements of the nave remain.
The apse and dome were also redesigned in the Renaissance style by Donato Bramante.
The tiburio dome, a prominent feature of Bramante’s design, exemplifies the grandeur of early Italian Renaissance architecture.
Visitors can appreciate the intricate details that characterize both Gothic and Renaissance craftsmanship throughout the church’s interior.
Rectangular layout
The church’s rectangular layout, a hallmark of early Italian Renaissance architecture, reflects this period’s emphasis on symmetry and proportion.
This layout, consisting of a central nave flanked by two side aisles, creates a sense of spaciousness and grandeur.
Fourteen chapels
Santa Maria delle Grazie features seven chapels along each side aisle, a common architectural feature in Italian churches.
These chapels were historically associated with prominent Milanese families who would use them for burial and private prayer.
The chapels are adorned with a collection of beautiful frescoes and sculptures.
Here are a few noteworthy mentions:
- Frescoes by Gaudenzio Ferrari, a prominent Renaissance painter from Lombardy, can be found in several chapels.
- The Chapel of St. Catherine has sculptures by Antonello da Messina, a renowned artist from Sicily.
- A chapel on the right side aisle features a series of captivating frescoes by Gaudenzio Ferrari depicting the Stories of Passion.
Cloister of Santa Maria delle Grazie explained
Adjacent to the church, you will find a serene oasis, the Chiostro delle Rane.
This cloister encircles the church and the former Dominican convent, offering a place of peace and contemplation separate from the bustling city of Milan.
Don’t miss out on the four bronze frogs perched along the edges of the cloister. These frogs are so characteristic of the cloister that it’s often called the “Chiostro delle Rane” or “Cloister of the Frogs.”
The cloister adheres to a straightforward quadrangular layout, and at its heart lies a central garden. This garden serves as a focal point, inviting contemplation and appreciation of nature’s beauty.
Cobbled paths meander through the cloister, guiding visitors through its serene spaces.
Duomo di Milano: Since Milan Cathedral is just a 20-minute walk from Santa Maria delle Grazie, some tourists plan to visit both on the same day. Find out how to go from Di Milano to Santa Maria. If you don’t have much time and can only visit one, find out why Santa Maria delle Grazie is a better choice than di Milano.
Planning your visit
Church entrance is free: Remember that entry to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church itself is free, allowing you to explore its architectural and artistic beauty without any cost.
Refectory ticket required: A separate entrance fee is required to enter the refectory to view The Last Supper. These tickets are hard to come by, so book early.
Be punctual: Since only 40 visitors are allowed inside the refectory, and that too for only 15 minutes, it is important to arrive at Santa Maria delle Grazie at least 30 minutes before the time on your ticket.