The Last Supper by Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci is an iconic masterpiece and a must-visit attraction in Milan. This article covers ticket tips, the story behind the painting, key highlights, and transport details to help you plan your Milan trip with ease.
Milan Articles：Duomo di Milano｜Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II｜The Last Supper
City Guides：London｜Barcelona｜Rome｜Milan｜Paris｜Amsterdam
Contents
- The Last Supper Review: History and Highlights
- What is the Last Supper?
- Why did Leonardo da Vinci paint The Last Supper?
- Is The Last Supper worth visiting?
- Details of The Last Supper painting
- Who is the betrayer in The Last Supper?
- Where is The Last Supper located, and how can you get there?
- Opening hours of The Last Supper
- How long should I spend at The Last Supper?
- Ticket tips for The Last Supper
- Other Attractions Near The Last Supper
The Last Supper Review: History and Highlights
Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
The exterior of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan may appear to be an unremarkable small chapel, but it houses one of the world’s most famous artistic treasures – Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic mural The Last Supper, created between 1495 and 1498.
Measuring 8.8 meters in length and 4.6 meters in width, the painting depicts the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest, during which he foretells that one among them will betray him. The gestures and expressions of the figures are meticulously crafted by da Vinci, capturing intense emotion and movement, making it one of the most renowned masterpieces in art history.
Image Credit: The Last Supper Official Website
What is the Last Supper?
The Last Supper refers to the final meal Jesus shared with his twelve apostles and disciples before his arrest. This dinner is commonly believed to have taken place in the Garden of Gethsemane before Jesus’ arrest, with some perspectives suggesting it occurred in the home of John Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark. Many artworks have depicted this event, with Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting being the most famous.
Why did Leonardo da Vinci paint The Last Supper?
The Last Supper, completed between 1495 and 1498, is a pinnacle of Renaissance art. Through this painting, da Vinci vividly captures the emotional exchange between Jesus and his apostles, especially during this highly dramatic moment. He skillfully integrates each disciple’s emotions and complex expressions into the painting, creating a profound emotional depth within the scene.
Is The Last Supper worth visiting?
Da Vinci’s The Last Supper is not only a masterpiece of his artistic genius but also a priceless treasure in Western art history. It is undoubtedly worth visiting. Whether you are a history or art enthusiast, or someone deeply interested in the biblical story, The Last Supper offers an experience that goes far beyond what a mere reproduction can provide.
Details of The Last Supper painting
Each figure’s expression and gesture in The Last Supper has been meticulously designed by Leonardo da Vinci. From left to right, the figures are: Bartholomew (Nathanael), James the Lesser, Andrew, Peter, Judas (the betrayer), John, Jesus, Thomas, James the Greater, Philip, Matthew, Simon, and Thaddaeus. With delicate brushwork, da Vinci accurately captures each person’s emotional state, infusing the scene with dynamic energy as though they are engaged in a heated conversation.
Image Credit: The Last Supper Official Website
Who is the betrayer in The Last Supper?
In the painting, the betrayer is Judas. He is depicted to the right of Jesus with a shadowed expression, seemingly recoiling from Jesus. His elbow rests on the table, and he holds a small bag of silver, symbolising the betrayal.
Where is The Last Supper located, and how can you get there?
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
- Metro：Get off at Cadorna station and walk to the church.
Google Maps Link
Opening hours of The Last Supper
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 08:15 – 19:00 (Last entry at 18:45)
- Closed on Monday
How long should I spend at The Last Supper?
Each group of visitors is allowed 15 minutes to view The Last Supper.
Ticket tips for The Last Supper
- Official Adult Price：€15
- If official tickets are sold out, you can try here：Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper Guided Tour (in English)
To visit The Last Supper, tickets must be booked in advance through the official website for specific dates. For example, on December 10, 2024, tickets for the period from February 1 to April 30, 2025, became available. However, when I checked on January 8, 2025, only a few last-minute tickets for the following week were available, with all other dates sold out. (See image below)
Therefore, it is highly recommended to book tickets early or check again a week before your visit to see if any last-minute tickets are released. If you fail to secure a ticket, consider booking a guided tour through the above link. Although the price is higher than the official ticket, you will benefit from a detailed guide’s explanation, enhancing your experience.
Image Credit: The Last Supper Official Website
Other Attractions Near The Last Supper
- Santa Maria delle Grazie： In addition to The Last Supper, this church is also worth visiting for its beautiful architecture and religious art.
- Duomo di Milano： One of Milan’s most famous landmarks, this Gothic masterpiece offers spectacular views of the city.
EN 
ZH_TW