[World Heritage] Where is The Last Supper? | Complete Guide from Ticket Reservations to Its Fascinating Appeal

Italy, known as the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites—boasting over 50 recognized locations—is home to countless historical artifacts and artistic masterpieces. Among these treasures is The Last Supper, a world-famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

Even those who are not particularly interested in art may have heard of The Last Supper through the popular novel and movie The Da Vinci Code.

This masterpiece is not displayed in a museum but is actually a mural painting inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in Milan, Italy, specifically on the walls of its Dominican convent.

In this article, we will explore the highlights of The Last Supper and provide detailed information on how to reserve tickets, enter the site, and make the most of your visit to this world-renowned artwork.

Where Can You See Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper?

Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, is housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in Milan, Italy. This historic church, commissioned by the powerful Sforza family, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Milan’s most treasured landmarks.

Inside the Dominican convent’s refectory, adjacent to the church, you will find The Last Supper painted directly on the wall. While the mural itself is world-famous, fewer people know that the semi-circular lunette above it was also painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Due to its immense cultural value, the site is officially recognized as the “Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci” by UNESCO.

During World War II, Milan suffered heavy bombings by Allied forces, and the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church was nearly destroyed. However, The Last Supper miraculously survived, making it not only a priceless artistic treasure but also a symbol of resilience.

If you are planning a trip to Milan, a visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see The Last Supper is a must-do experience for art and history lovers.

Highlights of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper

Highlight #1: The Realistic Depiction of Figures

Leonardo da Vinci, a genius who left behind many enigmatic and highly artistic paintings, was also deeply knowledgeable in anatomy. This expertise allowed him to create a remarkably realistic depiction in The Last Supper, making it one of the most captivating elements of the masterpiece.

Each of the twelve disciples surrounding Christ is portrayed with intricate details, from their facial expressions to their hand and body movements. Their emotions—tension, sorrow, ambition, and inner conflicts—are vividly conveyed. It is also believed that da Vinci embedded hidden messages within the painting. Why not take a closer look and attempt to decipher the secrets within The Last Supper?

If you’re visiting Milan, this world-renowned fresco is a must-see. It is the city’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, though viewing it requires a reservation at least three months in advance. While it’s not easily accessible, it is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth the effort.

Highlight #2: The Betrayal of a Disciple

While Leonardo da Vinci created numerous works of art, many of them are said to be unfinished. However, The Last Supper is one of his few completed masterpieces.

This painting is based on the biblical scene where Jesus predicts that one of his twelve disciples will betray him. The traitor in question is Judas, seated second to Christ’s left. Can you spot him? By focusing on this detail, you might gain a new perspective on the painting.

It is also rumored that da Vinci embedded multiple hidden messages within The Last Supper, though some argue otherwise. The painting has sparked countless intriguing debates worldwide. Watching or reading The Da Vinci Code before visiting Milan may add an extra layer of excitement to your journey, making your UNESCO World Heritage adventure even more enriching.

Recommended Highlight #3: A Technique Prone to Damage

One of the most distinctive aspects of The Last Supper is its visible damage. In Western art, fresco painting is commonly used for murals and ceiling paintings. This technique, which dates back to ancient Rome, involves applying pigment onto wet plaster, ensuring long-term preservation despite requiring quick execution.

However, Leonardo da Vinci opted for the tempera painting technique for The Last Supper to achieve more realistic details and avoid time constraints. Unlike fresco, tempera is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. As a result, pigment peeling began just 20 years after its completion—while Leonardo was still alive!

Between 1977 and 1999, The Last Supper underwent a large-scale restoration. Today, visitor numbers are strictly limited, and the room is equipped with climate control systems to help preserve this masterpiece.

How to Reserve Tickets for The Last Supper

To visit The Last Supper, you must reserve an entry ticket in advance. Viewing sessions last approximately 15 minutes, and only 30 visitors are allowed per time slot.

Here’s how you can book your ticket to see The Last Supper.

◆ Make a reservation on the reservation website

You can reserve tickets for The Last Supper online through the dedicated reservation site, Vivaticket, by searching for "CENACOLO VINCIANO" (The Last Supper). Each booking allows up to five tickets, and a member registration is required. This is the simplest and most convenient way to secure your ticket.

Scroll down the page to find the calendar.

Dates with green backgrounds indicate available reservations!

If all the dates appear gray (as shown in the image), it means that no slots are available.

Reservations open approximately three months in advance, but tickets sell out quickly!

(Example: Tickets for May 1 - July 31, 2023, became available on March 14)

Tip: Check the schedule in advance and book as soon as reservations open to secure your spot!

[How to Reserve by Phone]

You can reserve up to 9 tickets by calling the call center (+39 02 92800360). Even if online reservations are fully booked, there may still be availability by phone.
Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive a reservation number, so have a pen and paper ready. You will also need a credit card for payment. When calling, be prepared to provide the following details:
● Preferred date and time
● Number of visitors
● Full name
● Credit card number & security code
● Email address

[Joining an Optional Tour]

If tickets are unavailable, you can still visit "The Last Supper" through an optional tour offered by travel agencies. While the cost is higher, it may be worth considering since you’ve already made the trip to Milan.

How to Visit "The Last Supper" (Exclusive Entrance & Ticket Office)

The entrance for The Last Supper is separate from the church. In the image above, the church is on the right, while the dedicated entrance for The Last Supper is in the white building on the left.
Pick up your reserved tickets
○ Before entering, go to the Ticket Office, which is to the left of the entrance.
○ Present your reservation number and passport at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to claim your ticket.
Enter "The Last Supper" viewing area
○ Arrive 15 minutes before your reserved time to line up at the exclusive entrance.
Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie Church
○ Entry to the church is free, so take some time before or after your visit to explore its beautiful interiors.

How to Access the Church Housing "The Last Supper"

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To visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece "The Last Supper", take Milan’s Metro Lines 1 or 2 and get off at Cadorna Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the church.

Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" – A Must-See World Heritage Site

This article introduces one of Milan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous for Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic mural, "The Last Supper." Many people may be familiar with da Vinci’s name, but we hope this guide sparks further interest in his remarkable work.

Seeing "The Last Supper" requires careful planning—it’s mandatory to book tickets at least three months in advance, and late arrivals are strictly prohibited. While visiting this masterpiece isn’t easy, it holds immense cultural value and historical significance, making it a truly worthwhile experience for any traveler.

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[World Heritage] Where is The Last Supper? | Complete Guide from Ticket Reservations to Its Fascinating Appeal