Leonardo used a mixture of tempera and oil on a dry wall, which caused the paint to flake off rapidly compared to wet fresco techniques.
During World War II, the refectory was partially destroyed by Allied bombing, but the wall containing the painting survived because it was protected by sandbags.
The painting's composition utilizes a mathematical linear perspective, with the vanishing point located at the right temple of Jesus.
Leonardo chose not to paint halos on any of the figures, breaking from the artistic tradition of the era.
The face of Judas is widely believed to be modeled after an actual prisoner Leonardo encountered in the streets of Milan.
During the Napoleonic era, the refectory was used as a stable and an arsenal, which exposed the painting to significant damage from humidity and vibrations.
Leonardo's Last Supper, located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, is a mural painting executed by Leonardo da Vinci between 1495 and 1498. The work depicts the moment Jesus announces one of his disciples will betray him. Because Leonardo experimented with tempera on stone rather than traditional fresco, the painting began to deteriorate shortly after completion. Multiple major restoration efforts have occurred, most notably a 21-year project completed in 1999 that removed centuries of overpainting. The humidity and temperature within the refectory are strictly controlled to prevent further degradation of the pigments. Viewing the masterpiece requires strict adherence to a limited-capacity entry system due to the vulnerability of the wall surface. The artwork measures 460 cm by 880 cm, covering an entire wall of the dining hall. The perspective is designed to appear as an extension of the room's physical space.
The interior of the refectory allows for a straight-on shot of the mural from the designated viewing area.
Book your entry slot months in advance, as tickets sell out rapidly through the official portal.
Arrive early for your assigned time; late arrivals are typically denied entry.
Prepare for a brief visit; you will only have 15 minutes inside the refectory to view the painting.
Do not attempt to purchase tickets from unauthorized street resellers near the entrance.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Silence is required inside the refectory, and photography must be conducted without flash.
