EXPERIENCES

The Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in Milan, Italy is home to one of the most famous works of art in history – the Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. Completed in 1498, this mural painting depicts Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles during their last meal together before his betrayal. It was painted on a wall in the Dominican convent’s Refectory and has had an incredible impact on art for centuries.

The Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie is an impressive testament to Renaissance artistry and architecture in Milan and was built between 1463 and 1482 by the architect Donato Bramante for Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. Beside the famous frescoes painted by Leonardo da Vinci on its walls, the monastery includes several remarkable features such as its church facade with a bell tower, cloister garden, refectory hall, chapter house and library.

Since its inception, the Last Supper painting has seen its fair share of destruction and renovation efforts due to factors such as humidity and war damage. In 1796, Napoleon’s troops used it as a weapons target range which caused extensive damage to the painting. In 1949, it was restored using a complex method involving chemicals and special paints to bring back its original vibrancy without distorting any of the details that make it so remarkable. In 1980, the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie where the Last Supper was painted, was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you wish to admire the Last Supper painting, you must book in advance online. To book your ticket and find 10 interesting facts about the Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci: www.last-supper-milan.com