Santa Maria delle Grazie
A Renaissance basilica in Milan housing Leonardo da Vinci’s monumental Last Supper, one of the world’s most celebrated frescoes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At a glance
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a Dominican basilica and sanctuary in Milan, distinguished by its refined Gothic interior and its role as custodian of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The church belongs to the parish of San Vittore al Corpo and is jointly administered with the Municipality of Milan, which owns the convent refectory housing the fresco. The architectural ensemble represents a landmark of northern Italian Renaissance design.
History
The church opened to the public in 1497. Its tribune, built between 1492 and 1493 at the behest of Ludovico il Moro, the Duke of Milan, was commissioned as a mausoleum for his family. The structure constitutes one of the highest achievements of the Renaissance in northern Italy. The church became an UNESCO World Heritage Site as the second Italian location to receive this designation after the rock carvings of Valcamonica, with the honor extending to Leonardo’s Last Supper in the refectory.
What you see
The basilica combines Gothic architectural elements with Renaissance design, creating a refined interior space. The tribune, designed during Milan’s golden age under il Moro, exemplifies Early Renaissance principles in its proportions and structural innovation. The refectory, adjoining the church, displays Leonardo’s Last Supper across one wall—a monumental fresco depicting Christ and the apostles at their final meal together. The artist’s composition places each apostle in careful psychological and spatial relationship to the dramatic moment of Christ’s announcement of betrayal.
Cultural significance
Leonardo’s Last Supper stands as one of the most influential artworks in Western art history. The fresco demonstrates the artist’s mastery of perspective, human anatomy, and dramatic narrative. Leonardo’s preparatory process—including the practice of pinning apostle names beneath each figure to ensure accuracy—reveals his methodical approach to monumental composition. The work has inspired countless artistic reinterpretations and remains central to understanding Renaissance visual culture and Leonardo’s genius.
Key facts
- Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan
- Coordinates: 45.465963, 9.1687734
- Opening date: 1497
- Architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance
- Phone: 02 467 6111
- Official website: legraziemilano.it
Practical information
Visits to the refectory housing Leonardo’s Last Supper require advance reservation and are subject to specific viewing procedures to protect the fresco. Check the official website for current opening hours, admission fees, and booking procedures. The fresco is housed in the convent refectory, which operates under separate administration from the basilica itself.
Getting there
Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in central Milan near the railway station of the same name. The site is accessible by public transport; the basilica’s main entrance faces Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Visitors should allow adequate time for viewing both the church interior and the refectory containing the Last Supper.
Sources & resources
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