Reservations Unnecessary? The History and Charm of the World Heritage Site “Santa Maria delle Grazie Church”

Santa Maria delle Grazie Church is a small but well-known church located in Milan, Italy. Known officially as “Santa Maria delle Grazie Church and the Dominican Convent, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’,” the entire property is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Both the interior of the church and its courtyard can be visited free of charge and without a reservation! Even if you cannot secure tickets for “The Last Supper,” why not visit the church? Below, we introduce in detail the history, highlights, and access information of this must-see Milan sightseeing spot, Santa Maria delle Grazie Church.

History and Architectural Style of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church

Santa Maria delle Grazie Church was begun in 1296 and completed in 1469. It is built in the Gothic style. The structure combines a long, horizontal basilica-style nave with later additions in a dome form—created by combining circular and polygonal plans.

Although the interior does not show many unique characteristics exclusive to Milan, the exterior features distinct elements typical of the Lombardy region. Although some attribute the design of the exterior to Giovanni Antonio Amadeo, its exact origins remain unclear.

Visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie Church Is Free and No Reservation Is Required!

While an entrance ticket is necessary to view “The Last Supper” on the wall of the refectory, entry to Santa Maria delle Grazie Church itself is free and does not require a reservation.

For details on how to reserve tickets and the entrance procedures for “The Last Supper,” please refer to the related article.

The Appeal of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church①: Exterior

First, take a look at the church’s graceful exterior adorned with intricate decorations. Its façade, marked by six engaged columns and round windows, is impressive,

The Appeal of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church②: Interior

Inside, the main altar is centrally placed, flanked on both sides by seven chapels—14 in total. The splendid paintings and decorations in these chapels deserve careful admiration.

The rib-vaulted ceiling is magnificently balanced, and behind the main altar are the choir stalls and an apse decorated with scenes of the Crucifixion of Christ.

The Appeal of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church③: Courtyard and Cloister

Proceeding to the left from within the church, you will come out into the cloister and courtyard.

The Appeal of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church④: "The Last Supper"

Of course, no visit would be complete without seeing “The Last Supper.” Painted as a mural on the wall of the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, “The Last Supper” was started in 1495 and completed in 1498. While many of Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings remain unfinished, “The Last Supper” is one of the few that is fully completed and is renowned worldwide.

“The Last Supper” depicts the final meal of Jesus Christ with his 12 apostles. It is said that Leonardo da Vinci painted it at the request of his patron, Ludovico Sforza.

The Appeal of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church⑤: "The Crucifixion of Christ"

On the opposite wall of the refectory from “The Last Supper,” you can also see “The Crucifixion of Christ,” painted by Giovanni Donato Montorfano. The vivid colors and dramatic depiction provide a contrast to “The Last Supper” and offer a powerful visual impact.

How to Access Santa Maria delle Grazie Church

From Milano Centrale Station

From Milano Centrale Station, take the M2 (green) metro line and get off at CADORNA FNT Station. It’s about a 10-minute walk from there.

From the Duomo

There are two ways from the Duomo:
1. Take the M1 (red) metro line from the Duomo and get off at CADORNA FNT Station, then walk. 2. Alternatively, take tram number 16 toward “San Siro” from the Duomo and get off at “S.Maria Delle Grazie.”

◎ Immediately in Front of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church: Hotel "Palazzo Delle Stelline"

Right in front of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church stands Hotel "Palazzo Delle Stelline." Its prime location makes it the perfect base for sightseeing the church and “The Last Supper,” allowing for convenient time management. It is also located about a 5-minute walk from the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci.

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Reservations Unnecessary? The History and Charm of the World Heritage Site “Santa Maria delle Grazie Church”