Leonardo’s The Last Supper Painting at Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan attracts over 400,000 visitors yearly for its beauty and religious significance.
First-time visitors planning to visit the painting in Milan must know some handful of helpful insider tips to ensure they have the best experience when they travel to explore this attraction.
In this article, we’ll discover the top seven tips that will ensure you have the most memorable experience at the Last Supper!
1. Book your Last Supper Tickets three months in advance.
Pilgrims journeying from all over the world to admire the painting must book their Santa Maria delle Grazie tickets in advance.
No tickets will be sold at the last minute at the Church’s entrance since slots of 35 people are allowed inside at once only for 15 minutes.
You can buy tickets from the official website a month in advance for the next three-month period, which means you can book tickets for May to July in March itself.
These tickets run out quickly, so we recommend getting them from other reliable websites.
You can book Last Supper tickets with skip-the-line access to the Church and Sforza Castel for €86 for all visitors.
The link above allows you to book tickets weeks in advance, however, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointments.
2. Enjoy a Guided Tour to make the most of your 15 minutes.
Visitors can only admire the Last Supper for 15 minutes, and the other 15 minutes of your ticket will be spent in the dehumidifier room.
If you haven’t researched the artist, the backstory of the picture depicted, and the painting techniques, it could be challenging to spot what makes the painting so special in such a short time frame.
However, if a professional tour guide accompanies you, you can learn so much more about the history and hidden meanings of the piece.
The Last Supper Tour Milan allows you to have the most knowledgeable and memorable experience and is a must-try!
3. Wear light fabrics that follow the dress code when visiting the Last Supper Painting.
Since the painting is displayed inside the Dominican Convent’s Refectory, inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, all visitors exploring must dress modestly.
Women and men must ensure their knees and shoulders are covered to show respect to the space as per the dress code.
Ensure your tattoos are covered since they are not looked upon favorably by the Catholic Church.
Avoid wearing t-shirts with inappropriate language or symbols on them.
We recommend wearing lightweight fabrics and bringing along a cardigan or jacket so you are much more comfortable in the dehumidifier room for 15 minutes.
Loose-fitted clothes made of cotton, with open-toed shoes or sandals, are the best garments to wear.
Read Last Supper Dress Code for detailed information.
4. Visit the painting in April and May for the best experience!
You will find the least crowd with the best weather in Milan to admire the painting in the spring months of April and May.
We don’t recommend visiting the Santa Maria Grazie Church from June to August, as it is difficult to book a spot to see the painting during these months.
You might also have to stand in long queues in the summer sun’s heat.
The Church is the least crowded in the afternoon from 3 pm to 4 pm.
Avoid visiting the painting on Sunday and holiday evenings after 5 pm since pilgrims gather at the Church to attend evening mass.
On weekdays, avoid visiting between 7.30 am and 9.30 am and around 6 pm since you will find a massive pilgrim crowd waiting to attend the mass.
Read Last Supper Hours for more detailed information about Last Supper visiting hours and the best time to visit.
5. Avoid carrying large luggage and unnecessary items on your visit.
Getting large bags, suitcases, sharp objects, food, drinks, and water bottles inside the Church is prohibited.
We recommend packing a small bag with a plastic bottle so that you can finish drinking before you enter the space.
You can leave your bags and other items at the information desk while you enter to see the Last Supper Painting.
6. Maintain silence and avoid clicking the painting with a flash.
Since the Last Supper is in a sacred space, you must maintain silence and avoid disturbing others when visiting.
It is a small room, so if you maintain silence, all visitors will hear the tour guide well.
Photography without the use of flash is allowed inside the room.
However, using professional equipment and selfie sticks is not allowed while viewing the painting.
Flash photography can cause damage to the painting over the years and is best avoided to ensure the masterpiece remains preserved for future generations!
7. Explore Nearby Attractions and Take in the complete Milan visiting experience.
While visiting the Last Supper, take the opportunity to explore nearby attractions in Milan.
The Sforza Castle, located close to Santa Maria delle Grazie, offers a deeper dive into Milan’s history.
The Pinacoteca di Brera is another excellent museum nearby with a vast collection of Italian Renaissance art.
Enjoy the local cuisine at nearby cafes and restaurants to complete your cultural experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much time does it take to visit the Last Supper?
It takes 15 minutes to see the painting and all visitors must follow this fixed time slot.
2. Can I take photos of the Last Supper painting?
You can capture photos of the painting without using the flash of your mobile phone. Professional cameras with flash are not allowed.
3. Do I need tickets to see Leonardo’s Last Supper?
You must have Santa Maria delle Grazie tickets to see Leonardo’s masterpiece at the Church.
4. What is the dress code for visiting the Santa Maria delle Grazie?
Women and men must wear modest clothing and ensure their knees and shoulders are covered.
5. What is not allowed inside the Church of Santa Maria in Milan?
Large bags, suitcases, food items, beverages, water bottles, and other sharp items are not allowed inside the Church.
6. Which are the best months to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece at Santa Maria?
The best time to see the painting is in April and May, as Milan is the least crowded during these spring months. The weather in Milan is pleasant, allowing for a better experience.
7. How many people can enter the room of the Last Supper at once?
A maximum number of 35 visitors can enter the refractory where the Last Supper Painting is displayed, that too for 15 minutes only.
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