Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Basics

Often overshadowed by Da Vinci’s groundbreaking mural, the convent’s church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important attraction in its own right. Explore both the interior and exterior of the building—from its Gothic nave to its elegant cloister—on a private guided tour with skip-the-line access to the church, refectory, and Da Vinci’s mural. Alternatively, many walking tours also include a visit to the church alongside other nearby highlights, including the Duomo Cathedral and Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Entry to see The Last Supper is only allowed every 15 minutes for groups of 30 people at a time, and reservations are mandatory. Book your entrance ticket or tour with skip-the-line entry in advance.

• The Last Supper tickets include entrance to the entire Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie: church, cloister, and refectory.

• Santa Maria delle Grazie is a place of worship, so attire that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended.

• The church and refectory are accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

Milano's Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located between the Cadorna Triennale and Conciliazione metro stations, or you can walk from the Duomo in just 15 minutes.

When to Get There

Santa Maria delle Grazie is busiest in summer, so private tours or skip-the-line tickets must be booked well in advance. The refectory is closed on Mondays and holidays. Entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month but reservations are still required.

The Last Supper Painting

Commissioned by Ludovico Il Moro in the latter half of the 15th century, this mural depicts Christ surrounded by the apostles in a composition featuring perspective and human emotion so revolutionary at the time that it changed the course of Renaissance art.

Ways to explore

Most Last Supper museum tours include a stop at the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie to admire both the interior and exterior of the building, with its unique architecture and artistic masterpieces. Book a private or small-group guided tour with skip-the-line access to cover the church, refectory, and Leonardo da Vinci’s mural in less than two hours. Alternatively, many sightseeing, walking, bike, and Segway tours through the city also include a visit to the church alongside other nearby highlights, including the Duomo (Cathedral), Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, and Sforza Castle with its surrounding Sempione Park.

Accessibility

The church and Last Supper museum are accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

Book a family-friendly tour to engage young visitors in the church and its masterpiece.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, smartphone to download the free museum app

What to wear

Clothing that covers shoulders and knees, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Flash photography, selfie sticks, food and drink, large bags

Amenities

Bookshop, audio guide, lockers, restrooms

Address 

Milan’s Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in the city center, within walking distance of many of the main sights, and with various easy options for reaching the church with public transportation.

Driving

The church is located in a restricted traffic area of Milan, so leave the car behind and travel instead by public transportation.

Public transportation

The nearest metro stations are Cadorna, served by line 1 (red) and line 2 (green), and Conciliazione, served by line 1 (red). Tram number 16 also stops nearby at the Monte Velino–Stadio San Siro stop, and buses 50 and 169 stop along Via Boccaccio.

Best times to visit

The church closes briefly at midday and is only open on Sunday afternoon, so time your visit around these closing hours.

Best days to visit

The Last Supper museum is closed on Mondays, which means that the church is particularly quiet on that day.

Best months to visit

Milan’s top sights see an influx of tourists between May and September, while late fall through early spring are ideal for bypassing the crowds.