Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Santa Maria delle Grazie (a former Dominican monastery) is best known for one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous works of art: The Last Supper. It is one of the most popular sights in Milan. Tickets are often limited in availability.

The work of art in the dining room is often called a fresco, although officially it is not. Da Vinci painted The Last Supper on a dry wall and not on wet plaster. This technique did not do the painting any good; soon after its completion (in 1498) it began to decay. After that it was further damaged by failed restorations, pollution and - during the Second World War - a bomb. The last restoration was completed in 1999.

The Last Supper shows the moment when all twelve disciples respond simultaneously to Jesus' statement that one of them will betray Him. According to some (including Dan Brown in his book 'The Da Vinci Code') the figure on the right next to Jesus is not the youngest apostle John, but Mary Magdalene. It indeed appears to be a female figure, but according to experts it was customary in the 15th and 16th centuries to depict John in a beardless and refined way. Moreover, a manuscript by Da Vinci states that it is indeed about John.

If you want to see this painting, you must register at least a few days in advance. You have a limited time of 15 minutes to watch the painting.