To secure the opportunity to view Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper, it is crucial to plan due to the strict control over the number of visitors allowed. The renowned painting is on the north wall of the refectory in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, sited at the heart of Milan. Within the room, there are only two artworks: The Last Supper and Giovanni Donato da Montorfano's The Crucifixion.
Both paintings adorn opposite walls, and considering the historical significance of da Vinci's work, obtaining a chance to see this masterpiece has become one of the most sought-after tickets in Milan. Therefore, get to know how to secure last supper tickets, granting you an opportunity to experience da Vinci's extraordinary creation, The Last Supper.
Going for the Last Supper
You can obtain tickets to the last supper through two methods. This includes hiring a guide of using tour services. Here is a detailed look into each of them:
- Official Website for Last Supper Tickets
This is another, yet cost-effective method to secure tickets is to visit the official website of The Last Supper. Upon entering the site, you can select either English or Italian at the upper left corner of the page. Look for the link titled "Cenacolo Vinciano," which should be easy to locate.
The website offers tickets for sale in three-month blocks, typically a few months before the desired date of entry. For instance, if you plan to see The Last Supper in September, it is advisable to start checking for ticket availability as early as May.
Only 33 individuals get in at a time, for fifteen minutes. Therefore, acquiring tickets can be challenging. Furthermore, large tour groups often purchase blocks of tickets well in advance to resell at a premium. This makes it even more difficult for individual visitors to obtain tickets.
- Hiring a Guide or Using Tours
Many people opt for this approach, even though it can be costly. If possible, it is advisable to avoid hiring a guide or signing up for a tour unaffiliated with the church.
A quick search for tour companies offering this service reveals a wide range of prices, from $50 to well over $100 per person. Some of these tours include viewing The Last Supper as part of a three-hour excursion around Milan. However, keep in mind that including The Last Supper in your tour may consume a significant portion of your allotted time, leaving you with less opportunity to explore other notable sites in Milan. If your primary goal is to tour Milan extensively, consider excluding The Last Supper from your itinerary, allowing you to see more of the city.
Getting Last Supper Tickets
Be prepared for potential challenges during the ticket acquisition process. Calls may take some time to connect, but remain persistent, and you will eventually reach a representative. The phone system for ticket reservations offers an English prompt, ensuring that language barriers should not be a concern. In that case, there are two methods available to acquire tickets for the opportunity to see Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper:
- Direct Tickets from the Website
Visit the official website and utilize the search option to check for available dates and time slots. It is crucial to do this well in advance to secure your tickets. Take into account the time of year you plan to visit, as busy tourist seasons will attract numerous people vying for tickets.
- Call the Ticket Office
Opting to call the ticket office is another approach, although it may entail a sleepless night, particularly if you are calling from the United States. Due to the time difference between Italy and the US East Coast, you may need to be awake at 2 am to call as soon as the ticket office opens. While you can call at any time during the day, calling as early as possible will increase your chances of securing tickets for your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
The Last Supper experience is likely to be your only opportunity to witness the Last Supper firsthand. Standing before the painting, listening to its historical significance you will get to see the trials it has endured over the centuries. Use these two options to secure your tickets for this memorable experience.