Milan Historical walking tour 

You can experience the best of Milan’s Renaissance history with a historical walking tour that includes a skip-the-line ticket to see Da Vinci’s masterpiece at Santa Maria delle Grazie.

As you explore Milan’s historic center, marvel at iconic landmarks like the Duomo, La Scala and Sforza Castle. 

With an English-speaking guide and audio headsets, this comprehensive tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Milan’s cultural heritage. 

This 3-hour tour costs €77 ($84) for every visitor. 

Explore more half-day city tours, like the Milan City Centre walking tour with tickets to the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Combo Santa Maria delle Grazie tickets

Make the most of your visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie by purchasing combo tickets that allow you to explore other nearby attractions while saving both time and money. 

Here are some enticing combo ticket options to consider:

Duomo di Milano and Santa Maria delle Grazie

Experience the grandeur of Milan’s iconic cathedral, the Duomo, and the captivating artistry of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

The combo ticket costs €24 ($27) for all visitors.

Museum Leonardo da Vinci and Santa Maria delle Grazie

Dive into Leonardo da Vinci’s genius with a museum visit, then be amazed by “The Last Supper” at Santa Maria delle Grazie.

The combo ticket costs €15 ($17) for all visitors.

Bagatti Valsecchi Museum and Santa Maria delle Grazie

Delve into the artistic treasures of the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of Renaissance art, and then visit Santa Maria delle Grazie for an encounter with da Vinci’s masterpiece.

The combo ticket costs €17 ($19) for all visitors.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and Leonardo3 Museum – The World of Leonardo

Explore the fascinating world of Leonardo da Vinci at the Leonardo3 Museum, which showcases interactive exhibits and reconstructions of his inventions, before admiring ‘The Last Supper.’

The combo ticket costs €18 ($20) for all visitors.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and San Siro Stadium

Combine culture with sports by visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie and then heading to San Siro Stadium, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan,

The legendary football venue also features a temporary exhibition. The combo ticket costs €34 ($38) for all visitors.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and Acquatica Park

If you’re looking for some refreshing fun, pair your visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie with a trip to Acquatica Park, where you can enjoy thrilling water slides, pools and other attractions.

The combo ticket costs €31 ($35) for all visitors.

By opting for these combo tickets, you can enhance your Milan experience by exploring multiple attractions while enjoying convenient access and cost savings.

Santa Maria delle Grazie Ticket Discounts

While booking Last Supper tickets from the official website may have limitations, it offers the advantage of providing the most affordable prices. 

When booked in advance or at the ticket office, a ticket on the official website costs €15 ($17) for adults. 

There are other discounts on the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie tickets for certain categories, including young adults, children and teaching personnel. 

Reduced Prices for Young Adults 

Visitors aged 18 to 25 can get discounted tickets to see the Last Supper at the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. 

Instead of the full price of €15 ($17), young adults can purchase tickets for just €2 ($2).

Free Admission for Children and other groups

There is free admission to the Last Supper Museum for children under 18. 

EU and non-EU citizens under 18 can enter the refectory and see the Last Supper without purchasing a ticket. 

Young visitors from different countries can enjoy and explore Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece for free.

School teaching staff with proper certification can also enjoy free admission to the Last Supper Museum. 

Those eligible for free admission can fill out an online form and reserve entry to the refectory. 

Free visit on first Sundays

Another way to gain free admission is to visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie refectory on the first Sunday of the month. However, reservations are still required. 

To secure a spot on this day, you must book tickets online through the official website starting from 12 pm on the preceding Wednesday.

Also, note that the church is free for everyone, and no church of Santa Maria delle Grazie The Last Supper tickets or reservations are needed.

Alternative Ways to Purchase Santa Maria delle Grazie Tickets

Visiting the Santa Maria delle Grazie refectory can be challenging if you’re looking to visit on short notice. 

However, there are some alternatives.

If you do not find tickets for the date you are traveling you can buy your Last Supper tickets in other ways, including guided or self-guided tours, combo tickets and skip-the-line tickets.

• Guided or Self-guided Tours: Last Supper guided tours provide a convenient option for accessing the museum at the last minute. 
  
  They also offer valuable insights into Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting. 

• Combo Tickets: Some tour packages offer combo tickets, including admission to the Last Supper Museum and other popular attractions in Milan.  
  
  These packages offer a complete cultural city experience while guaranteeing museum access.
  
• Skip-the-line Tickets: Get fast access to the Last Supper with skip-the-line entry tickets to Santa Maria delle Grazie museum. These tickets allow you to explore the painting without a tour guide at your own pace.

You can book these tours or tickets online, allowing you to secure tickets even when the official website is sold out.

What to Expect with Santa Maria delle Grazie tickets?

When visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, there are several captivating aspects of the church that you can expect to encounter. 

One of the first things that will strike you is the stunning architectural beauty of the church. 

Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan is a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. 

You can take in the beauty of the semi-circular apses and the magnificence of the drum-shaped dome, which stands as a testament to Bramante’s architectural genius.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts historical and cultural significance that attracts visitors from around the globe.

The highlight of any visit to the church is undoubtedly Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, ‘The Last Supper.’

The refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, also known as the Last Supper Museum (Cenacolo Vinciano) houses the huge painting made with tempera and oil on a gypsum. 

Due to the painting’s delicate condition, only small groups can enter the room every 15 minutes to view the iconic artwork. 

While the Last Supper is the highlight, the church has many artistic treasures. 

Santa Maria delle Grazie complex is not just a tourist attraction but a place of worship and religious significance. 

You can explore the chapels dedicated to different saints, each with its unique decorations and relics. 

Admire the elegant frescoes that depict biblical scenes and saints’ lives, offering glimpses into the spiritual and cultural life of the time.

Adjacent to the church, you’ll find a cloister called Chiostro delle rane (Frog Cloister)

A tranquil oasis featuring a picturesque courtyard surrounded by arches, the cloister creates a sense of peace and tranquility. 

The serene atmosphere allows you to escape the bustling city and find solace amidst the beauty of the surroundings.

Besides its amazing architecture and art, Santa Maria delle Grazie also has something special for music lovers. 

Since 2009, the basilica has been home to the Musical Seasons of the Arteviva Orchestra, blending sight and sound harmoniously. 

Visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie is a truly awe-inspiring experience. 

It offers a golden chance to witness the convergence of art, history and spirituality in one remarkable location. It also offers a deeper appreciation for the wonders of human creativity.

Whether you come for the world-famous Last Supper or to immerse yourself in the church’s captivating atmosphere, the complex promises an unforgettable journey through time. 

Facts and FAQs

Facts

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a significant symbol of Milan’s cultural heritage and attracts tourists worldwide.

It is a captivating church with a rich history and numerous intriguing facts. 

It is a captivating church with a rich history and numerous intriguing facts. 

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
  
  Santa Maria delle Grazie and its additional buildings received the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1980 due to its architectural features and Leonardo da Vinci’s famous fresco in the refectory.

• Commissioned by the Duke of Milan
  
  The church was commissioned by Francesco I Sforza, the Duke of Milan, in the early 1460s. 
  
  He founded the Sforza Dynasty after acquiring the Duchy of Milan in 1450.

• Gothic-style Nave
  
  The main part of the church, the nave, was designed in the Gothic style by local architect Guiniforte Solari from 1463 to 1469.

• Dual Purpose
  
  Santa Maria delle Grazie served as both a church and a Dominican Convent. 
  
  The dedication to the Holy Mary of Grace was influenced by an original chapel dedicated to St. Mary of the Graces on the site.

• Change in Purpose
  
  Duke Ludovico Sforza, known as ‘Il Moro,’ expanded the church during the 1490s and intended it to be the burial site for the Sforza family. 
  
  However, only his wife Beatrice d’Este and Ludovico himself were buried there.

• Donato Bramante’s Influence
  
  To adapt, Duke Ludovico Sforza brought in famed Renaissance architect Donato Bramante. 
  
  Bramante added significant features, including semi-circular apses, a drum-shaped dome and additional buildings like the cloister and refectory.

• The Last Supper
  
  Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper,” was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza for the church. 
  
  Located in the church’s refectory is not a true fresco but a drywall painting.
  
  The fresco depicts the iconic biblical scene and is one of the most famous paintings in history.
  
  The painting deteriorated due to Leonardo’s experimental technique and has been extensively restored.

• Fresco by Giovanni Donato da Montorfano
  
  In addition to ‘The Last Supper,’ the refectory also features another remarkable fresco. 
  
  Painted by Giovanni Donato da Montorfano in 1495, it depicts Jesus’ crucifixion and potentially includes figures painted by Leonardo himself.

• Theft of Titian’s Painting
  
  The church once housed a masterpiece by Titian called ‘The Crowning with Thorns.’
  
  Unfortunately, French troops stole the painting in 1797, now displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

• Damage during World War II
  
  During World War II, the church suffered heavy bombing on August 15, 1943. 
  
  While multiple walls collapsed in the refectory, ‘The Last Supper’ miraculously survived due to the protection of sandbags. 
  
  The church was later restored to its former glory.

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