Da Vinci's Last Supper (Il Cenacolo)

The basics

The Last Supper is incredibly popular, and it can be very difficult to gain access. In order to preserve the mural, which isn’t your traditional fresco painting, a maximum of 30 visitors are allowed at any one time, and only for 15 minutes.

Fortunately, Da Vinci’s Last Supper tours can help you lock in those high-demand tickets and customize your experience. You can spend a day visiting Milan's must-see sites with an art historian guide; opt for an expedited tour with skip-the-line The Last Supper access; or combine The Last Supper with stops at the Milan Duomo, the La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala), and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Things to know before you go

• Skip the line with priority-access Da Vinci’s Last Supper tickets that allow you to head right into the showroom.

• While walking tours are the most popular way to see The Last Supper, you can also explore the city by rickshaw, bicycle, or vintage tram.

• From the church, Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco), Teatro alla Scala, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are within walking distance.

• Viewing The Last Supper is accessible for wheelchair users, and there's ramped access to the church.

How to get there

The Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie is located on the western outskirts of central Milan between metro stations Cadorna Triennale and Conciliazione. It's a 15-minute walk or a quick taxi ride from the Duomo, but you can also choose a tour that provides round-trip transportation from your Milan hotel.

When to get there

The Last Supper is accessible Tuesday to Sunday year-round, from morning to evening, with tickets or tours booked in advance. There are always travelers waiting their turn to see this hard-to-visit Renaissance masterpiece, and the lines can be long. Plan ahead to secure your ticket, and consider booking skip-the-line entry to save time.

Da Vinci's Milan

Often considered the city of Da Vinci—and his adopted hometown—Milan is home to many of the polymath's most famous works from the 15th century, including The Last Supper. After admiring the painting, head to the Ippodromo of San Siro to see a horse sculpture modeled on Da Vinci's drawings; then, visit the Ambrosiana Gallery where you can marvel over his Codex Atlanticus, as well as pieces by Caravaggio and Raphael.

Ways to explore

The Last Supper is incredibly popular, and it can be very difficult to gain access. In order to preserve the mural, a maximum of 30 visitors are allowed to view the painting at any one time, and only for 15 minutes. Fortunately, tours can help you lock in those high-demand tickets and customize your experience. Spend a day visiting Milan’s must-see sites with an art historian guide; opt for an expedited tour with skip-the-line The Last Supper access; or combine the painting with stops at the Milan Duomo, the La Scala Opera House, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, small binoculars or opera glasses, wrap to cover bare shoulders

What to wear

Clothing that covers shoulders and knees, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Bare knees and shoulders, flash photography, selfie sticks, large bags

Amenities

Restrooms, lockers, souvenir shop, museum app

Address

The Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie is located on the western outskirts of central Milan between metro stations Cadorna Triennale and Conciliazione. It’s a 15-minute walk or a quick taxi ride from the Duomo, but you can also choose a tour that provides round-trip transportation from your Milan hotel.

Driving

Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in Area C, a restricted traffic zone in Milan’s center. Coupled with the lack of on-site parking and the chaotic city traffic, its location is not easy to reach by private car. Walk, take public transportation, or join a tour with transfers included instead.

Public transportation

Take the metro Line 1 (Red Line) or Line 2 (Green Line) to the Cadorna stop. Alternatively, take tram 16 to the Santa Maria delle Grazie stop or buses 50 or 169 to the Via Boccaccio stop.

Best times to visit

Visitor numbers are capped at just 30 for each timed entry, so you’ll never find the refectory crowded. That said, the lighting is kept very low inside the hall, so visit during the midday hours on a clear day for a bit more natural light to view the painting.

Best days to visit

Tickets tend to sell out first for weekends and holidays, so visit on a weekday for a better chance of finding availability. Tuesday tickets also sell out quickly, as the museum is closed on Mondays. The site is closed on January 1 and December 25.

Best months to visit

It can be virtually impossible to purchase tickets to The Last Supper during the high-season months between May and October. Visit during the quieter winter months to find availability.

Special events

Milan comes alive during religious holidays (Easter and Christmas) and Milan Fashion Week, held twice a year in February/March and September/October. These events bring larger crowds, but you’re sure to have an extra exciting time before and after visiting The Last Supper.