Santa Maria delle Grazie

travel wonder in Milan, Italy

Why
Santa Maria delle Grazie
is special

It is home to one of the most famous and priceless paintings in the world: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. It depicts Jesus with his 12 apostles seconds after he announced that one of them would betray him before dawn.

Tips & insights on the

Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Last Supper was painted on a plastered wall in the church-convent. The image is large, measuring 8.8 meters (29 feet) wide by 4.6 meters (15 feet) high.

Leonardo begin his masterpiece in 1495 and finished several years later.

Within two decades, the pigmented plaster began to flake. Humidity caused further deterioration in the ensuing centuries.

In 1652 someone cut a hole through the area where Jesus' feet were located to make a doorway. Notice the doorway arch in front of Jesus at the bottom of the painting.

The building suffered serious bomb damage in World War II, but the painting escaped mainly unscathed.

From the 18th through mid-20th centuries, well-intentioned restorers caused more harm than good.

A major, more expertly done renovation was made in the late 20th century. It removed much of the earlier restoration mistakes - and heightened the original hues.

Get tickets weeks, if not months in advance (available online). The demand is keen and only 25 people can view the Last Supper in each 15 minute period.

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I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that 

my Santa Maria delle Grazie page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications