The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located west of Milan's Sforza Castle and forms a complete architectural complex in Milan. The church was originally built in 1460 and expanded in 1492 by Bramante, who also designed its exquisite four cloisters. The adjacent Cenacolo Vinciano (Last Supper Hall) was once the dining room for monks of the Dominican Order. During the Renaissance period, the great artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper (1495), was painted on the south wall of this building and is considered the pride of Milan. The entire painting covers an area of about 44 square meters, standing 4.97 meters high and 8.85 meters wide. It is hailed as “the finest treasure among all great artworks” and the crowning jewel of European art.

The artwork is based on the story of Judas betraying Jesus from Chapter 26 of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. It is said that Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver. On the evening of Passover (a major Jewish festival), knowing he was to be crucified, Jesus shared a final meal with his twelve disciples. During the supper, Jesus announced that one of them would betray him — hence the name “The Last Supper” for the mural. This famous fresco, created by Leonardo da Vinci and completed between 1495 and 1497, marked the beginning of a new era in the history of art.

Santa Maria della Grazie

Reason to visit: See the most famous mural — The Last Supper

Continent: Europe

Country/Region: Italy

Province/State: Lombardy Region

City: Milan