Visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan was one of the true highlights of our family trip. Housed in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, this masterpiece is not only an icon of art history but also an unforgettable experience. We joined a one-hour guided tour, which added so much depth to our visit and helped us better appreciate the significance of seeing this world-renowned painting in person.
The Fascinating History and Fragility of the Masterpiece
The history of the Last Supper is as fascinating as the artwork itself. Painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1495 and 1498, it was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza for the Dominican monastery’s dining hall. Unlike traditional fresco techniques, Leonardo experimented by painting on dry plaster. Unfortunately, this method meant the pigments never fully bonded to the wall, causing the painting to deteriorate rapidly—even within Leonardo’s lifetime. Restoration has been a constant challenge because of this fragile technique. The refectory, once the monks’ dining room, even had a doorway cut through the wall at Jesus’s feet in 1652 to provide easier access to the laundry room, further damaging the work. On the opposite wall, there is another painting by a different artist, who used the true fresco method. You can easily see how much better that painting has survived the centuries compared to Leonardo’s delicate experiment.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Guided Tours
Getting tickets to see the Last Supper requires planning. We were lucky and managed to book at the last minute through Get Your Guide for the “Milan: Last Supper 1-Hour Skip-the-Line Guided Tour.” If you plan in advance, tickets can also be purchased through the official website, but they sell out quickly. Only 30–35 people are allowed in the room at a time for a strict 15-minute viewing, making tickets very limited. Having a guide made a big difference, as we learned a great deal about the painting’s history and the stories behind it. Everyone received headsets so we could hear the guide clearly, something my son—an art lover—especially appreciated.
Practical Tips for Visitors
A few practical tips for your visit: Arrive early—if you miss your time slot, you will likely not be able to enter. Strollers are allowed inside, and there are free lockers available for backpacks and other items during your tour. Don’t forget to bring your passports or ID, as you will need to show ID that matches the names on your tickets.
Seeing the Last Supper in person is an experience our family will never forget. The combination of art, history, and the atmosphere of Santa Maria delle Grazie makes this a must-see in Milan. If you’re planning a visit, book your tickets early and take the time to join a guided tour—it’s absolutely worth it.