The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, painted between 1495 and 1498 on the refectory wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie, depicts the moment Christ tells his apostles one of them will betray him, capturing a range of individual reactions rather than the static, symmetrical compositions typical of earlier depictions of the scene. Leonardo's experimental painting technique, applied directly to dry plaster rather than true fresco, caused the work to deteriorate rapidly within his own lifetime.
Centuries of restoration, most extensively a 20-year effort completed in 1999, have stabilized what remains, though the surface is fragile and visibly worn compared to its original state. Viewing conditions are tightly controlled, with small groups admitted for strictly timed 15-minute visits to limit humidity and foot traffic impact.
Because slots are limited and demand is high, tickets frequently sell out weeks in advance, making this one of the few sights in Italy where spontaneous, same-day visits are essentially not an option.
The Last Supper FAQs
Ideally several weeks in advance, especially for peak season, since timed slots are limited and sell out quickly.
To limit humidity and physical impact on the fragile, deteriorating painting, viewing groups are kept small and strictly timed.
Leonardo used an experimental technique on dry plaster rather than traditional fresco, which began flaking and fading within decades of completion.
Rarely — same-day or walk-up tickets are uncommon given how far ahead slots typically sell out.
No, the adjoining Santa Maria delle Grazie church is separate and free to enter on its own.
Reviews/Comments
No comments yet — be the first.