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How long does it take to visit Santa Maria delle Grazie?

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a fascinating destination in Milan that encompasses a church, a convent and the renowned Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci. 

The time you spend at this historic site largely depends on your interests and the extent of your exploration. 

Whether you choose a brief church visit, focus on The Last Supper viewing or embark on a full tour of the complex, planning and managing your time will ensure a rewarding experience at this remarkable site in Milan. 

Here’s how long it takes to visit Santa Maria delle Grazie for different aspects of the visit.

Church Visit

If your main objective is to see the church, a dedicated visit can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. 

Within half an hour, you can appreciate the architectural beauty of the Santa Maria delle Grazie interiors, observe the intricate details and soak in the tranquil atmosphere at the cloister

While the church offers a captivating experience, it is important to note that the main highlight, the Last Supper, is located in a separate area.

The Last Supper Viewing

If you’re mainly interested in viewing The Last Supper painting, setting aside an hour, including travel time, is a good idea. 

The Last Supper is housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, sometimes called The Last Supper Museum (Cenacolo Vinciano). Visiting this iconic artwork requires a timed-entry ticket. 

Only 30 people are allowed to enter the refectory at once and time slots are typically 15 minutes. 

You will be allowed to spend only 15 minutes inside the refectory where you can admire the popular masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci and absorb its profound details. 

Also, remember to factor in time for checking in, undergoing security checks, and experiencing any waiting time before your scheduled entry.

For last-minute entry to the refectory, get skip-the-line tickets to the Last Supper mural and ensure a hassle-free experience.

Full Tour of the Monastic Complex

For a comprehensive tour of Santa Maria delle Grazie, including The Last Supper, it is advisable to allocate approximately 3 hours. 

This allows sufficient time to delve into the history and significance of the monastic complex, visit the church and convent and experience the magnificence of The Last Supper. 

You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the church, admire its architecture, and be captivated by the spiritual feel of the place. 

Moreover, a longer visit allows you to delve deeper into the symbolism and meaning behind Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, enhancing your overall understanding and appreciation of The Last Supper.

Join the Santa Maria delle Grazie and Last Supper tour to discover the painting’s history, meaning, and importance of the site.

Plan and Make Reservations

Plan and make reservations to see the Last Supper mural to ensure a seamless visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie. 

Due to the limited number of visitors allowed at any given time, securing timed-entry tickets well in advance is important. 

This will guarantee access to the painting and help you manage your time effectively during your visit.

Milan Tour: The walking tour with Last Supper entry is a popular 3-hour historical tour of the city’s Renaissance history with a licensed guide.

FAQs

How long does it take to visit The Last Supper?

To fully visit The Last Supper, allocate approximately an hour, including travel time. 

With timed-entry tickets, only 30 people are allowed inside the refectory for a 15-minute viewing.

Plan for check-in, security, and potential waiting time before your scheduled entry.

How long to spend in Santa Maria delle Grazie?

To fully experience Santa Maria delle Grazie, you can dedicate approximately 30 minutes for a church visit and an hour for The Last Supper viewing (including entry procedures).

You can allocate around 3 hours for a comprehensive Santa Maria delle Grazie complex tour. 

A guided tour can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the painting and site.

Featured Image: Tripadvisor.com

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