Are you tired of overpaying for tickets only to find out they’re sold out? Do you arrive at the museum only to find it overcrowded? And worst of all, have you ever gotten lost in the streets of Milan only to arrive and find that the museum is unexpectedly closed? These are some of the many problems tourists face when visiting the Last Supper painting in Milan.
To avoid these so-called problems, we have come up with a list of visitor tips that you can keep in mind while visiting Santa Maria Delle Grazie church, where the Last Supper is housed. This isn’t the first time someone has encountered these problems, nor will it be the last.
So let’s get started on them one by one
1. Last Supper tickets are hard to get by, so book in advance
Even if you’re not a religious person by any stretch and don’t even know where the Last Supper is kept, if you are passing up on the chance to see one of the most important works of art ever made, it is a mistake.
Since Da Vinci’s Last Supper is believed to contain hidden messages and hints, almost 2000 people visit it daily, making getting tickets an uphill battle. Tickets to the Last Supper often sell out weeks, even months ahead of time. So, as soon as your travel dates are marked on your calendar, confirm your Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) reservations first.
Usually, tickets to the Last Supper are released two months before the year’s quarter. For e.g., tickets for the quarter of August to October 2024 go on sale in June.
2. Get a guided tour if you can’t get a ticket
Despite your repeated attempts to check ticket availability for the Last Supper and even contacting the Santa Maria ticket counter, have not yielded you any results. We have a Last Supper booking tip that might get you in.
A single skip-the-line ticket for the Last Supper costs €109. However, if you use this insider tip, you’ll have guaranteed entry to the Last Supper and be able to add another famous attraction to your Milan itinerary for the same price as the Last Supper ticket.
By booking a Last Supper and Duomo di Milano guided tour, you can kill multiple birds with one stone. With this tour, you get to enter the Last Supper like a VIP with a guide, get entry to the Duomo Cathedral, and a walking tour of the iconic streets of Milan with a passby of Sforza Castle. And all that at a reasonably discounted price of €119.
3. Your visit to the Last Supper is limited to 15 minutes
So, the first question that comes to mind is, why 15 minutes? The simple explanation is, Da Vinci used an experimental method of fresco-secco to paint The Last Supper, which resulted in the painting deteriorating over time. Given that the painting has survived for 500 years, it is in a fragile state. So, in order to protect it, you are only allowed to see the painting for 15 minutes. And for that same reason, flash photography is not allowed inside the churches refectory, as intense light exposure can damage it.
So, it becomes crucial that you respect this timeslot and arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled visit to the Last Supper Museum because late visitors are usually not granted entrance. It is also important that you understand that this 15-minute time slot is only restricted to the painting itself. After this, you are free to stroll in the 1.5-hectare complex of the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church.
4. Simplify Your Trip with Luggage Services
Traveling light is so liberating, as heavy baggage can make you more vulnerable, less safe, more dependent on others, and distract you from the purpose of your trip. So, rather than arguing with each other about who should hold the bags, we recommend you drop off your bags at luggage storage services to make the most of your trip to Milan.
You can find many facilities near major tourist attractions like the Duomo Cathedral, the Last Supper Museum, and major transportation hubs like the Milan Central Train Station, which make it easy to retrieve your belongings after you’re done sightseeing. Also, large bags are not permitted in the Last Supper area of the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church, which is more than enough reason to use luggage services.
5. Plan a Full Day: Along with Last Supper, Visit Nearby Attractions
While the Museum of the Last Supper (Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano) is worth a visit in Milan, we recommend exploring other nearby attractions. Doing so will provide you with a greater variety of activities. After viewing the masterpiece, stroll to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vineyard, just opposite Santa Maria Church, a 3 to 5-minute walk away. Continue your journey with a visit to the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, a 2.7 km walk, and admire its medieval architecture.
Next, you can head to the Milan Cathedral, a 16-minute walk, and marvel at its Gothic brilliance. You can take a combined tour of the Last Supper and Sforza Castle, which are only 4 minutes apart, allowing you to explore various museums and art collections. Finally, end your day at La Scala, a 15 to 20-minute walk, to appreciate one of the world’s most famous opera houses.
Conclusion
Visiting Santa Maria Delle Grazie is an experience like no other and requires some planning before you actually visit it. You need to take into account these essential tips – make sure to book your tickets far in advance; think about a guided tour if you can’t get regular tickets; respect the 15-minute viewing rule, travel light with luggage storage services; and spend a day out by checking nearby other attractions. By adhering to these Last Supper Milan tips, you will be able to have a smooth and wholesome visit to this magnificent masterpiece
