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Santa Maria delle Grazie: A Renaissance Masterpiece

Home to Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper,' this UNESCO site blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture in the heart of Milan.

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Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and Dominican convent in Milan, Italy, famed for housing Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, embodying Milan's golden era. Beyond the Last Supper, the church boasts a rich history and artistic treasures.

A brief summary to Santa Maria delle Grazie

  • Monday 9 am-12:20 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-12:20 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-12:20 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-12:20 pm
  • Friday 9 am-12:20 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-12:20 pm
  • Sunday 3 pm-5:50 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets well in advance, especially for 'The Last Supper,' as they often sell out months ahead.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time to collect your ticket and go through security.
  • Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.
  • Photography is generally not allowed inside the church or while viewing 'The Last Supper'.
  • Consider a guided tour for deeper insights into the church's history, architecture, and the significance of 'The Last Supper'.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Milano Centrale Station, take the M2 green line to Cadorna. From Cadorna, it's about a 13-minute walk to Santa Maria delle Grazie. Alternatively, from Cadorna, take the M1 red line to Conciliazione station, which is a short walk from the church. A single metro fare is typically €2.

  • Tram

    Tram 16 stops directly in front of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Magenta S. Maria delle Grazie stop). Tram 10 from Milano Garibaldi stops at Via Ariosto 19 prima di via Mascheroni, a short walk from the church. A single tram fare is typically €2.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Milano Centrale Station to Santa Maria delle Grazie typically costs between €10 and €13 and takes about 6 minutes. Keep in mind that fares may vary depending on traffic and time of day.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available near Santa Maria delle Grazie, but can be challenging. Parcheggio Zenale is the closest option, about a 3-minute walk away. Garage alle Grazie is also nearby. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €3-€4 per hour.

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Discover more about Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie, located in the heart of Milan, is a captivating testament to Renaissance art and architecture. Originally commissioned by Francesco I Sforza in 1459, the Dominican convent and church were initially designed in the Gothic style by Guiniforte Solari. Construction began in 1463, with the convent completed by 1469. Duke Ludovico Sforza transformed the church into the family mausoleum in the 1490s, enlisting Donato Bramante to rebuild the apse and cloister in the Renaissance style. This architectural fusion resulted in a stunning single-apse chapel, a majestic dome, and the serene Chiostro delle Rane (Frog Cloister). The church's exterior features a Lombard-Gothic facade with oculi and single lancet windows, constructed from local brick. The convent's refectory houses Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, 'The Last Supper,' painted between 1494 and 1498. This iconic mural, miraculously preserved despite World War II bombings, draws countless visitors. The church also features frescoes by Gaudenzio Ferrari, Bernardo Zenale and Bramantino. Today, Santa Maria delle Grazie stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting over a million visitors annually. It remains a symbol of Milan's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of Renaissance art.

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