How to See the Last Supper in Milan: Tickets, Tours, and Tips

Leonardo’s Last Supper tops bucket lists, but the mural sits inside a small refectory that sells out weeks ahead and enforces 15-minute viewings. Show up unprepared and you’ll stroll right past Santa Maria delle Grazie none the wiser. Follow this guide on how to see the Last Supper to lock in tickets, find the church, and squeeze every hidden detail out of your visit.

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Visiting The Last Supper in Milan

You’re not just seeing a painting—you’re stepping into a 15-minute window with one of history’s most fragile masterpieces. From Napoleon’s troops using the refectory as a stable to World War II bombs nearly destroying it, The Last Supper’s survival is as miraculous as its art.

Here are the most important things you need to know about visiting The Last Supper.

Tickets  & Hours for Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Last Supper is one of the hardest museum tickets to score in Europe. You need to reserve weeks (or even months) in advance, and there are strict rules once you’re inside. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it.

👉 Our tours pre-reserve blocks of tickets, so even last-minute planners get in.

Where Is The Last Supper & How Do You Get There?

Just because it’s one of the most famous paintings in the world doesn’t mean it’s easy to find. Tucked inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, it’s surprisingly low-key on the outside.

• Metro: Take the M1 line and get off at Conciliazione. From there, it’s a 3-minute walk to the entrance.
  
  
• Tram: Hop on Line 16, which stops directly in front of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It also passes the Duomo if you’re coming from the city center.
  
  
• Taxi/Uber: Just tell your driver “Santa Maria delle Grazie, per favore.” There’s not much parking, so this is better than driving yourself.
  
  
• On Foot: From the Duomo, it’s a 20-minute walk. From Sforza Castle, it’s only about 15 minutes. Milan is compact, so walking’s a great option.

👉 Prefer not to navigate Milan solo? Join our Milan Walking Tour with Last Supper for a guided stroll through the city’s historic heart.

Best Guided Tours of the Last Supper

These guided tours include guaranteed tickets, expert local guides, and skip-the-line access, so all you have to do is show up and be wowed.

👉 Still undecided? Browse our full lineup of Milan tours to match your schedule and budget.

Visitor Tips for The Last Supper & Mistakes to Avoid

Most travelers waste time—or worse, miss their chance entirely. Here’s what not to do.

• Don’t assume you can get in same-day. Tickets are often sold out for weeks.
  
  
• Skip the idea of seeing it without a guide. There’s almost no signage inside, and a lot of details go unnoticed.
  
  
• Don’t bring food or large bags. You’ll be turned away or delayed at security.
  
  
• Avoid “cheap” ticket resellers. Always book directly or with a trusted tour provider.

Interessante Fact: Between water damage, Napoleon’s horses, and bombings, it’s a miracle this mural survived at all. In fact, very little of the original paint remains, but thanks to continuous restoration works, it’s still absolutely stunning.

Secret Tip Inside the Convent

Everyone talks about the mural, but few people notice the rest of the convent. Look for the Chapter House and Parlour, built by Guiniforte Solari and modeled after Florence’s San Marco convent. These rooms once hosted Dominican debates and planning sessions.

And don’t skip the library wing on the north side if it’s open. It’s rarely crowded and adds another layer of depth to the visit.

How Long Does a Last Supper Tour Take?

If you’re only eager to see The Last Supper, you can get in and out in under 30 minutes. Tours typically last between 30 minutes and 1 hour, and if you choose a combo tour, you’re looking at 3 hours for the Duomo, Sforza Castle, and da Vinci’s masterpiece.

👉 Short on time? Our Express Last Supper Tour clocks in at just 30 minutes.

What to See at Santa Maria delle Grazie

You might be here for one painting, but there’s far more to see. Here’s what not to miss.

• The Last Supper Mural: Painted from 1495 to 1498, this 15×28-foot mural captures the emotional moment Jesus announces one of the apostles will betray him. The expressions, the groupings, and the triangular composition are pure Renaissance genius.
  
  
• The Crucifixion by Donato Montorfano: Painted on the opposite wall in the same room. Most visitors forget to turn around—don’t be one of them.
  
  
• Cenacolo Vinciano Museum: After seeing the mural, you’ll walk into an exhibition space with photos and info on the seven restorations the mural has undergone. The 1999 restoration is especially impressive.
  
  
• Courtyard and Garden: A quiet space to pause and reflect, just outside the refectory.

Interessante Fact: Da Vinci didn’t paint this as a fresco. He experimented with tempera on dry plaster, which made it more luminous, but also more fragile.

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Where to Eat Near The Last Supper

You won’t find food inside, but step outside the church and you’re minutes from some great spots.

• Bar Il Cenacolo | € | Casual café steps from the church, serving sandwiches, pizza, pasta.
  
  
• Boccondivino | €€€ | Upscale, intimate, and cheese-forward. Great wine pairings too.
  
  
• La Caffettiera | € | For a real Italian espresso after your visit.

👉 For more ideas, check our local-approved list of the 11 Best Restaurants in Milan.

Attractions Near Santa Maria delle Grazie

These are all within walking distance of The Last Supper and make a great addition to your Milan itinerary.

• Sforza Castle (15 min walk): Six museums and Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietà Rondanini.
  
  
• Parco Sempione (15 min): Grab gelato and watch locals jog past the Arco della Pace.
  
  
• San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (12 min): Dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” for its jaw-dropping fresco carpet.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Last Supper

Final Thoughts: How to See the Last Supper

Don’t treat The Last Supper like just another painting on your Europe checklist. This is a rare, controlled, reverent experience—and it’s well worth planning for. Book early, take a tour, bring your ID, and don’t rush. Let the 15 minutes in front of da Vinci’s masterpiece be your quiet moment in a loud city.

Still planning your Milan trip? Here are some more resources!

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