Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie

Description

As I wandered through Milan’s artistic treasures, the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie left me absolutely spellbound. This 15th-century Dominican church, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, is way more than just another beautiful Italian church – it’s home to one of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements: Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.

The church’s architecture alone is worth gushing about. Built in the gorgeous Gothic-Lombard style, its terracotta exterior and that stunning dome designed by Bramante in 1469 had me reaching for my camera repeatedly. Y’know what’s crazy? The church actually survived a bombing during WWII – the wall with The Last Supper remained standing while much of the refectory was destroyed.

Key Features

• The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo) – Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece painted between 1495-1498
• Bramante’s magnificent tribune dome with its unique architectural harmony
• Gothic-style nave with pointed arches and ribbed vaults
• Side chapels featuring incredible 15th-century frescoes
• The old Dominican monastery complex
• Original cloisters with remarkable architectural details
• Intricate terracotta decorations on the exterior
• The sacristy with period furnishings and artwork
• Restored choir area with original wooden stalls
• Beautiful rose window on the church facade

Best Time to Visit

I’ve gotta tell you – timing is everything when visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie. Early morning (right when it opens) or late afternoon tends to be less crowded. If you’re hoping to see The Last Supper, you absolutely MUST book tickets months in advance – I learned this the hard way on my first visit!

Winters are quieter tourist-wise, but the church is especially magical during April-May and September-October when the weather’s perfect and the natural light through those gorgeous windows is just *chef’s kiss*. Avoid mid-day visits in summer – the heat can be pretty intense and that’s when tour groups flood in.

How to Get There

Getting to Santa Maria delle Grazie is actually super easy. The closest metro stop is Conciliazione (red line), and it’s just a short walk from there. If you’re coming from the Duomo area, you can also take the tram – numbers 16 or 19 will get you there in about 15 minutes.

I usually recommend walking if you’re staying in central Milan – it’s roughly a 20-minute stroll from the Duomo, and you’ll get to see some lovely parts of the city along the way. Plus, the surrounding neighborhood is full of charming cafes and shops worth exploring.

Tips for Visiting

After several visits, I’ve picked up some handy tricks that’ll make your experience way better. First off, dress appropriately – it’s still an active church, so shoulders and knees need to be covered. I always pack a light scarf just in case.

For The Last Supper viewing, you’ll get exactly 15 minutes – make every second count! Bring some opera glasses or binoculars if you wanna see the amazing details up close. The painting is kept in climate-controlled conditions, and only 30 people are allowed in at a time.

Remember to grab your Last Supper tickets the minute they become available (usually 2-3 months ahead). If they’re sold out, don’t panic – some local tour operators have advance allocations, though you’ll pay more.

Photography is allowed in the church but not of The Last Supper. And here’s a pro tip: the church closes during lunch hours, so plan around that. Oh, and while you’re in the area, check out the nearby Castello Sforzesco – it’s just a 10-minute walk away and totally worth it!

Lastly, don’t rush through the church itself just to see The Last Supper. The architecture and other artworks are incredible, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t take time to appreciate them. Trust me, the side chapels alone could keep an art lover busy for hours!

Location

Places to Stay Near Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie

Find Tours in Bellinzona

Explore More Travel Guides