Santa Maria delle Grazie (Milan)

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and convent located in central Milan and a UNESCO world heritage site. Constructed in the late 15th century, it is a popular visitor attraction in its own right but its main claim to fame is the iconic ‘Last Supper’ painting by da Vinci, which hangs in the convent refectory. On cheap city breaks in Milan, you will see a church rich in gothic and renaissance design features, including a beautiful cloister and hexagonal dome surrounded by Romanesque columns made by the famous medieval architect Donato Bramante. There are large rectangular windows which show off a series of wall frescoes and richly decorated motifs, all in complex geometric patterns.

 

For all the intrinsic beauty and fascinating history of the Santa Maria delle Grazie, it is the opportunity to view ‘The Last Supper’ that really pulls in the crowds. Now fully restored after centuries of neglect and damage, it is the hottest ticket in town. On Milan weekend breaks, you should really plan ahead and book a ticket several weeks in advance during the busy summer period. Visitors are ushered in small groups of 20 for just 15 minutes at a time to admire this most iconic work of art and it is truly a solemn and peaceful place to contemplate its artistic beauty.

 

Ever since the success of the novel ‘The da Vinci Code’, visitor numbers have soared and encouraged a new generation of art lovers and no shortage of religious conspiracy theorists to see what all the fuss was about. Even during midweek city breaks in Milan, you are unlikely to get a ticket on the day, so make this your first task when arriving in the city. The Santa Maria delle Grazie has a surprisingly spacious, light and airy quality that belies its age and as a historic attraction in its own right is definitely worth an extended visit.