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Tips to Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie

Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, an enchanting church with the famous Last Supper Museum.

A Santa Maria delle Grazie visit offers a captivating journey through the rich history and remarkable artistic heritage.

The Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie houses the famous Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci. 

If you plan to visit this iconic site, this article lists some useful tips for visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie to enhance your experience.

From how to see the painting without advance tickets to how to gain free entry to The Last Supper Museum, we have you covered. 

Enjoy Free Entry to the Church

Entry to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church is free, allowing you to explore its beautiful architecture and art without any admission fee.

But remember, visiting the church’s refectory to see the Last Supper is not free and requires a timed ticket.

The ticket must be booked in advance to gain entry. 

The Last Supper

When you visit Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, a major highlight is Leonardo da Vinci’s famous masterpiece, ‘The Last Supper.’ 

It is crucial to get Supper tickets online well in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on this extraordinary artwork.

Also, note that only 18 people are allowed into the viewing area simultaneously, creating an intimate and immersive experience. 

Once inside, you will have 15 minutes to admire the painting, so make every second count. 

Remember, seeing the Last Supper with pre-booked tickets might be easy. 

However, you can get lucky by checking for last-minute cancellations at the museum’s ticket office. 

While you can capture the moment with a photograph, remember to turn off your flash and refrain from video recording. 

Note that the Milano Card or Milan Pass does not include a Last Supper ticket.

Get the skip-the-line tickets to Last Supper for short-notice entry to this iconic masterpiece, even if you still need to make advanced reservations.

Book a Guided Tour for Insights

To enter the refectory at the last minute and fully enjoy The Last Supper painting, consider booking a Last Supper guided tour

Since the church lacks written info, preparing beforehand or using an audio guide can help you better grasp the artwork.

The Last Supper one-hour guided tour is the most popular choice among visitors, offering an insightful experience that delves into the historical context, artistic techniques and symbolic interpretations of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.

Explore the Church Complex

While the main highlight is the Last Supper painting, take the time to explore the rest of the Santa Maria delle Grazie complex. 

It features stunning architecture, beautiful chapels and tranquil courtyards that glimpse its rich history.

You can also marvel at the exquisite artwork and architectural details as you visit Santa Maria delle Grazie church interiors.

The refectory houses another mural by Giovanni Donato Montorfano, depicting the Crucifixion, another must-see artwork when visiting. 

This stunning artwork complements Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ and offers a unique opportunity to admire the skill and creativity of multiple Renaissance artists in one captivating setting.

Immerse yourself in Da Vinci’s masterpiece, and explore the church and cloister with pre-booked tickets on the Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper guided tour.

Plan Ahead and Arrive Early

Learn the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie visiting hours to plan your visit accordingly and ensure you have ample time to explore this historic architectural marvel.

Tickets for the Last Supper have a fixed date and time printed, so plan your visit. 

Check the meeting point if you have purchased a Last Supper guided tour

Plan to arrive approximately 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth entry and avoid rush or delays. 

Convenient Transportation Options

If you’re wondering how to reach Santa Maria delle Grazie, you can take trams 18 and 24, which stop at Corso Magenta-Santa Maria Delle Grazie. 

The Conciliazione and Cadorna stations on subway line MM1 and the Cadorna station on subway line MM2 are the nearest to the church, providing easy access.

If you are planning to drive to the church in Milan’s Historical Center, be aware of car parking access.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

For a peaceful visit, consider visiting Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie during less busy times. 

One of the best times to visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie is early mornings or late afternoons, as it tends to be less crowded, allowing for a more intimate encounter.

Free entry to Last Supper

Certain groups of people are eligible for free admission to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece. 

This includes EU and non-EU citizens under 18 and students with a signed list of names from their schools. 

Those qualifying for free admission can fill up an online form and reserve their entry to the refectory. 

Another way to enjoy free admission is by visiting the museum on the first Sunday of the month. On this day, entry is free, but reservations are always required. 

To secure a spot, book tickets from the official website online starting from noon on the preceding Wednesday. 

Consider Combo Tickets 

You can also combine your visit to other nearby sites by buying Last Supper combo tickets while saving time and money. 

Here are some combo ticket options you can choose from:

As you know, visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie and experiencing the famous Last Supper painting requires some preparation and timely arrival. 

By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to this historic and culturally significant site in Milan.

FAQs

How to visit Santa Maria delle Grazie?

To visit Santa Maria delle Grazie, you can plan and book tickets for the Last Supper Museum, where Da Vinci’s popular mural is exhibited. 

The Santa Maria delle Grazie church itself does not require an entrance fee. We recommend reserving tickets in advance as they have limited availability.

Featured Image: Tripadvisor.com

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