Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church located in Milan, Italy. It is perhaps best known for housing one of the most famous artworks in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” mural.
The church was built between 1463 and 1482, under the commission of Duke Ludovico Sforza. It was designed by architect Guiniforte Solari and was intended to serve as a Dominican monastery. The church underwent several renovations over the years, including a Baroque makeover in the 17th century.
However, it is the church’s refectory that attracts the most visitors today. The refectory is a rectangular room adjacent to the church, which was used by the monks for their meals. In 1495, Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza to create a mural for the refectory’s north wall. The resulting masterpiece, “The Last Supper,” depicts the final meal shared by Jesus and his apostles before his crucifixion. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of art of all time.
In addition to “The Last Supper,” the church also contains other notable works of art, including frescoes by Renaissance artists such as Bramantino and Giovanni Donato Montorfano.
Today, Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public for both religious services and tours. Visitors are advised to book tickets well in advance if they wish to see “The Last Supper,” as the mural can only be viewed by a limited number of people at a time, and reservations are required.