The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci's iconic mural, a masterpiece of Renaissance art depicting Jesus's final meal with his apostles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
The Last Supper
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Leonardo da Vinci's iconic mural, a masterpiece of Renaissance art depicting Jesus's final meal with his apostles.
"A truly breathtaking masterpiece, but securing tickets is a challenge!"
🎯 Book Directly & Early
Tickets vanish fast! Check the official website for release dates and book months ahead. :ticket:
🤝 Consider a Guided Tour
Often the easiest way to get tickets, tours sell out too, so book in advance. :bustsinsilhouette:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Masterpiece Itself
Witness Leonardo da Vinci's iconic mural, a pivotal work of Renaissance art depicting Jesus's final meal with his apostles.
The Setting: Santa Maria delle Grazie
Experience the artwork within its original context in the refectory of the Dominican convent.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets WAY in Advance
Respect the Dress Code
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Directly & Early
Tickets vanish fast! Check the official website for release dates and book months ahead. +1 :ticket:
🤝 Consider a Guided Tour
Often the easiest way to get tickets, tours sell out too, so book in advance. :bustsinsilhouette:
👗 Modest Dress Required
Cover knees and shoulders. No shorts or tank tops allowed. +1 :dress:
⏳ Short Viewing Time
You only have 15 minutes inside, so be focused and ready. :hourglass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Directly & Early
Tickets vanish fast! Check the official website for release dates and book months ahead. +1 :ticket:
🤝 Consider a Guided Tour
Often the easiest way to get tickets, tours sell out too, so book in advance. :bustsinsilhouette:
👗 Modest Dress Required
Cover knees and shoulders. No shorts or tank tops allowed. +1 :dress:
⏳ Short Viewing Time
You only have 15 minutes inside, so be focused and ready. :hourglass:
💻 Website Navigation
The official ticketing website can be tricky. Look for the hand icon to access the calendar. :computer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the profound artistic and historical significance of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece. The sheer impact of seeing such an iconic work in person is a highlight for many. However, the extremely limited viewing time and the significant challenge in securing tickets are frequent points of frustration.
"The mural is heavily degraded but is still worth a visit if you have the time while in Milan.
You must buy tickets on-line ahead and they sell out fast. Each group of about 25 people is let into the room for 15 minutes. It is a large room (former dining hall) so it doesn't feel crowded.
You need to check-in at the ticket office. They will give you a listening device so you can hear your guide. You'll meet your guide at the entrance. You'll need to go through security scanner with a metal detector and your group will re-gather in a waiting hall. There are plaques about the building and mural.
Once inside you'll be able to walk around while the guide tells you about the mural, it's history, and preservation.
After you leave the guide you'll enter a garden where the guide tells you more about the building and history of the area. In the garden are additional displays about the history."
Thomas Winslett
"📍 Leonardo’s Last Supper Museum (Cenacolo Vinciano) – Milan, Italy 🇮🇹
Home to one of the most famous artworks in the world 🎨—Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The painting is housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie ⛪ and seeing it in person is breathtaking. Entry is strictly timed ⏰, with only small groups allowed inside for about 15 minutes, which helps preserve the fresco. Tickets 🎟️ must be booked well in advance as they sell out quickly. A once-in-a-lifetime experience and an absolute must when visiting Milan. 🙌"
Quing_刘妈妈
"Bought tickets through “get your guide app” no wait at all was able to go inside quickly and see this amazing mural. My guide was very knowledgeable and highly recommend it."
Carlos Rodríguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Last Supper is located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. You can reach it easily via public transport. Tram lines 2, 12, and 19 stop nearby, as do buses 50 and 94. The closest metro stations are Conciliazione (M1) and Cadorna (M1/M2), both a short walk away.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Santa Maria delle Grazie can be challenging due to its central location. It's recommended to use public transportation or a taxi. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages in the surrounding areas, but be prepared for potential traffic.
Yes, many guided tours of Milan include a visit to The Last Supper. These tours often bundle tickets, which can be a convenient option given how quickly individual tickets sell out.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be purchased in advance, often months ahead, directly from the official ticketing website (usually Vivaticket) or through authorized tour operators. Individual tickets are extremely limited and sell out rapidly. +2
Tickets are released in batches for specific months. For example, tickets for May, June, and July might go on sale in late March. It's crucial to monitor the official website for exact release dates and times.
The price for a standard individual ticket is typically around €15-€18. However, prices can vary if you book through a tour operator or opt for special exhibitions.
Each visitor group is allocated a strict 15-minute viewing slot to ensure crowd management and preservation of the artwork.
It is highly unlikely to secure tickets on the day of your visit, as they are almost always sold out well in advance. Checking for last-minute cancellations on the official website is your only hope, but it's not reliable.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
A modest dress code is enforced. You must cover your knees and shoulders. Shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless tops are not permitted. +1
Photography is generally not allowed inside the refectory where The Last Supper is displayed. This is to protect the delicate mural from flash and prolonged light exposure.
Contrary to popular depictions like Da Vinci's own painting, Jesus was likely not in the center. Culturally, he would have been seated at the head of the table, with the disciples arranged around him. +1
The Last Supper has undergone numerous restorations due to its delicate nature and past damage. While efforts are made to preserve it, it's a fragile masterpiece.
Your 15 minutes will be spent in a dedicated room with the mural. Guides will provide brief explanations, and you'll have a short period to admire the artwork. Be prepared for a quick but impactful experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Santa Maria delle Grazie offers numerous cafes, trattorias, and restaurants. You can find options ranging from quick bites to more formal dining experiences.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside the viewing area of The Last Supper or within the church itself. There are designated areas outside for refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography, especially with flash, is strictly prohibited inside the refectory to protect the mural.
The exterior of the church and convent offers beautiful architectural shots. Try capturing the facade from the piazza in front or from side streets for different perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given the ticket scarcity, consider booking a family-friendly guided tour. These tours can sometimes offer more engaging explanations tailored for younger audiences and handle the ticketing hassle. Be prepared for the strict no-photography rule, which might require extra vigilance with children.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Consider booking a tour that delves deeper into the historical and artistic context, perhaps even touching upon the religious significance and its place within the broader history of Christian art. Understanding the Passover traditions surrounding the meal can add another layer of appreciation.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Other Cities
Factor in travel time to Santa Maria delle Grazie and your 15-minute viewing slot. Allow buffer time for potential transport delays. Given the tight schedule, a tour that includes transport from your hotel or a central Milan location might be the most efficient option.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Its History
The mural's condition has been a significant concern throughout history. Leonardo experimented with techniques that were not suitable for a damp wall, leading to rapid deterioration. It has undergone numerous restorations, with the most extensive one completed in 1999, which aimed to reveal Leonardo's original intentions while acknowledging the mural's fragility.
Understanding the context of the meal is crucial. It was a Passover Seder, a significant Jewish tradition. Some interpretations suggest Jesus used this meal to offer a new covenant, symbolized by the bread and wine, a concept explored in discussions about the Jewish roots of the Eucharist.
Securing Your Visit: The Ticket Challenge
Many travelers report that individual tickets sell out within minutes of release, often months in advance. This has led to a common strategy: booking a guided tour. Tour operators often secure blocks of tickets, making them a more accessible, albeit sometimes more expensive, option. However, even tours can sell out, so advance booking is still essential.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the official ticketing website (often Vivaticket) and be ready to act the moment new release dates are announced. Some users have found success by looking for a specific hand icon on the website to access the booking calendar.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit