Painted in the late 15th century by legendary Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper is one of Milan’s most revered tourist landmarks.
Visitors admire The Last Supper in Milan (Photo: london road via Flickr / CC BY 2.0 DEED)
Among the world’s most recognisable paintings, the expressions of the apostles’ faces as Jesus informs them that one betray him have enchanted onlookers for centuries. Housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city centre, the venue is tightly controlled, making it essential for visitors to plan ahead before coming to see it. Arguably the best way to visit The Last Supper is on a guided tour, which allows you to benefit from the insights and expertise of a dedicated guide, and to enjoy the company of fellow sightseers along the way. Here’s our rundown of the best guided tours below.
Last Supper Guided Tour
This 1-hour guided tour invites visitors to learn about the art and history behind this famous painting in the company of like-minded art enthusiasts. During the tour, you’ll be accompanied around the convent in which it is housed by an expert guide who will regale you with fascinating facts about the art piece, unravelling the mysteries behind it and highlighting its intricate details, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of Italian High Renaissance art. All guests will also be provided with an audio system to help them hear their guide clearly. From $47 per person.
Last Supper and City Walking Tour
Avoid the queues for The Last Supper with skip-the-line tickets and combine it with a guided tour of Milan as a whole. Over the course of 3 hours, you’ll visit the iconic painting as well as a number of the city’s most notable sights, landmarks and places of interest with an experienced guide for company. Highlights will include a stroll through the courtyards of the medieval fortification of Castello Sforzesco, entering the glass-roofed shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and stopping to admire the exterior of the world-renowned opera theatre of La Scala. Headsets will also be available for this tour. From $95 per person.
Private guided tour of the Last Supper
For a more intimate and exclusive tour experience, this private guided tour of the Last Supper fits the bill. In the company of your select group of up to four family members or friends, you will enjoy the personalised attention of your expert guide who will show you around the attraction while providing insights about it. There’ll also be more scope for asking your own questions than you’d get in a standard group tour. Before venturing inside, your guide will show you around the scenic streets that surround the church to help set the scene. Tours last for one hour. From $214 per person.