We were able to secure a much coveted time slot for a 15 minute viewing of the ORIGINAL Last Supper…read moremural, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century on the refectory's wall within the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Entry was EXTREMELY regimented, most likely to preserve the room temperature and humidity conditions. After all, Leonardo da Vinci used a "dry" technique to paint the mural and while he was able to achieve the dark shading and overall somber effect, it left the mural very, very fragile. We had a 14:45 time slot. At 14:30 they let us in the first door from the plaza. We then proceeded through various doorways where we waited 5 minutes in each section before proceeding to the next. At 14:45 on the dot, the doors to the viewing room opened. We were pretty much the first ones through with people behind us itching to get in front of us. Like the anxiety was palpable. I was glad to have viewed this very sacred, masterful piece of art, the original really showcasing Judas in a VERY different light (like literally, he was very obviously "cast in shadows"). 15 minutes was more than enough time to view the mural since each time slot was maxed out at 40 people and the room never felt overly crowded. We had no guide, but the information placards -- though there were few -- did impart enough history to allow for ample immersion. I am by no means a devout Catholic, but the mural did elicit some awe and fascination!

Most people come to Milan for the fashion and to see the Duomo di Milano, but my main reason?…read moreConnecting with my Christian roots and seeing The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. This painting is known all over the world--whether you're religious or not, it's hard to NOT know this painting. Seeing it in person is just as breathtaking as expected. Highly recommend: set your calendar and book tickets at the earliest time 3 months in advance! Though you can hire a tour guide, I didn't find it necessary, since I found everything I needed to know about the Last Supper via AI. Since tickets are strictly timed, show up a bit earlier than your slot. Tickets allot a 15-minute viewing time. Once the 15-minutes are up, you WILL be escorted as a group out to allow for the next group.

Fantastic visit to the Duomo di Milon, or Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint…read moreMary, during our visit to Italy. It's the largest duomo in Italy (St Peter's is in the Vatican) and we both thought it's the most impressive on the outside. The history of the duomo is fascinating as you will learn about its construction on the tour. BTW, there are basically 3 areas to tour 1) duomo outside and interior 2) exterior roof tour, and an artifacts tour underneath the main floor. Construction began in 1386 and the cathedral wasn't officially completed until the 20th century. The architectural influences in that time are incorporated - medieval, Renaissance and later. Unlike most cathedrals, you can walk extensively across the roof during the roof tour between the flying buttresses, and pinnacles. The roof has 135 spires and thousands of statues, making the exterior astounding! At the top of the central spire stands the famous golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the symbol of Milan. The interior is very unique as well. One of the most unusual features - an astronomical clock built in 1786!At solar noon, sunlight passing through a tiny opening creates a spot of light on the line, allowing the cathedral's astronomers to determine true solar noon. Check it out - you will be glad you did!

Beautiful architecture, inside and out. The inside was busy but I was lucky enough to go during…read moreSunday mass, which probably accounted for half the people in there. I had to leave for another experience and came back later to see the Crypt. Some of the staff gave me a hard time about coming back in, wondering why I needed to leave even though I explained I didn't want to wait for 2 hours in the cathedral. I was able to visit the Crypt, which is only open for a short while. It's a beautiful experience if you're able to fit it in. Taking photos inside the Crypt is prohibited. Outside is very busy so be cautious of pick pockets and scammers...they are everywhere. Toilets are available to one side but for a fee.

This is one of the most beautiful churches I have seen in Italy…read more Considered the "Sistine Chapel" of Milano, San Maurizio is overwhelmingly blessed with walls and ceilings decorated by one of the masters of frescoes Bernardino Luini and his sons. Entering through the doorway of the Archeological Museum, you walk to the left to the entrance. Once inside, your eyes are mesmerized by the frescoes of men and women dressed in flowing robes as appropriate in the mid-1500s. There is a huge organ on the second floor looming over wooden choir seats. The frescoes are on a wall separating the church where the general masses sit and the hidden portion of the church where nuns par tipster in the service. The towards the back are frescoes from passages of the Bible such as Noah's Ark, the passion of Christ, etc. The volume of art was spectacular. Having just been restored the color are so freshr-looking you could be looking at the scenes as they would have appeared when the Master artists finished their work. Entrance is free but please do tmake a donation to support this incredible treasure.

The Duomo is Milan's most beautiful church by exterior, but he has a competitor for the most…read morebeautiful church by interior: San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, a former nunnery! Behind a virtually nonexistence facade, San Maurizio hides perhaps one of the most ornate church interiors and can actually compete with the famous Sistine Chapel. From the moment you step in the door - assuming you finally find the right door - you will be awed by the incredibly colorful paintings that surround you! Despite being in a small room, the vast amount of the beautiful paintings can spell-bind you for a while. Additionally, for the first time in history, you as a public member can finally pass through the partition wall into the previously restricted nunnery hall! Like the public worship hall across the wall, the nunnery hall is also filled with paintings. However, while the worship hall paintings are intended to awe the public the divine grace with vibrant colors, the nunnery hall paintings intend to invoke piety with serenely-colored examples of female saints. You can admire for a few minutes or examine for hours, but this church is certainly a sight that you should not miss! Did I miss it's free to enter? --- tl;dr version: 1) Perhaps Milan's most beautiful interior 2) Small spaces that are filled with marvelous paintings 3) Free sight that should not be missed

Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio had been on our Milan must see list, but now on our final day, we weren't…read moresure if we could fit it in. Coming out of the Brera Museum in late afternoon, we miraculously found a taxi and sped over to the Basilica, arriving with an hour to spare. It definitely was worth it. Very historic , ancient church, originally from the fourth century, then rebuilt in the 12th in this beautiful Romanesque style. The church, with its gorgeous columns, paintings and sculpture offers a calm and serene sanctuary for spiritual reflection. Lovely chapels abound. Photos are fortunately okay here, as the architecture give you some beautiful shots. The church is a distance from the main historic center, so you need to go a little out of your way to get here, but lovers of historic churches will find its worth the effort.

An astonishingly beautiful church located near the university. Access through the courtyard is…read moresomewhat hard to find. Once inside you will be rewarded for the fort as you take in beautiful paintings and tile work. Always look up! Many of the cul de sacs have coin operated lights. Pay the money as the lighting is designed to accent the best features. Pause and pray for your needs as He is always there for you.

Best known for its Ossuary, a small side chapel with high walls that is almost all entirely…read moredecorated with human bones. The origin story is a cemetery was running out of room and bones started to get stored in this small chapel, it continued to be added to and decorated with human remains. They are all arranged decoratively and form patterns, the most interesting ones to me are the giant crosses on opposing walls. It's macabre and not for everyone but it was one of the first destinations I want to go to. The good thing is they open at 8am for early risers and its a good way to avoid the inventible crowds in this tiny room. From the main church you turn left down a dark hallway to get to the Ossuary. The entrance is small and people will crowd around as this is the main attratcion. Outside on the right side is another large church you can go into, the lighting is insane and the time I went light happened to be falling quietly and elegantly on some empty chairs. This church is HUGE and much larger than it appears on the outside. Getting in is kind of confusing since they doors aren't open and aren't clearly marked but worth checking out as well.

San Bernardino alle Ossa is known for having an Ossuary Chapel clad in human bones. This was by far…read morethe craziest thing I saw in Milan, and I would highly recommend checking it out. This church of medieval origin stands on the site of an ancient cemetery. It was rebuilt several times (it was destroyed by the collapse of the old bell tower of Santo Stefano in 1642 and by fire in 1712). The building, designed by Carlo Giuseppe Merlo, was finished in 1754. It has a central floor plan and a dome with elliptical oculi. An atrium leads to the Ossuary Chapel, a square chamber with frescoed ceiling whose every architectural detail is clad in human bones. There must be thousands of former human beings in there... I can't confirm if this is true, but allegedly, the bones are from people who died of the plague.

This church is next to the museum, where you can easily walk by and take a quick visit. Although I…read morewouldn't highly recommend this one considering there are so many churches here, and you don't have to make a specific trip just for this church.

Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore is one of the oldest churches in Milan. Located on Corso di Porta…read moreTicinese you will find a row of Roman columns, Colonne di San Lorenzo, lining the street with a large paved courtyard between columns and church. Together, they make up an important historical Roman complex, the columns possibly being part of a Roman bath built in the third century. A statue of Emperor Constantine is located in the Piazza. The Basilica is built over the site of a temple to the god Hercules, the church structure was originally constructed between the third and fifth centuries. Throughout the proceeding years much ruin has befallen the original structure including fires and structural collapses requiring the structure to be rebuilt and repaired. This is a large complex so wander around a bit to be sure you see it all. Cardinal Carlo Borromeo ordered the dome rebuilt in an octagonal lantern design after another collapse in 1573. This is the design you see today. The front of the church was built in the nineteenth century based on plans developed in the sixteenth century by the same architect who built the dome. The interior includes beautiful paintings, stone work, marble details throughout including intricate inlaid floors and fourteenth century mosaics in the (chapel) Capella di Sant'Aquilino. The pipe organ was built in 1840 and many beautiful side chapels include burial chambers and historic works of art. In 1585 a sick woman was miraculously healed while in front of the painting Madonna del Latte which at the time was displayed outside the church. In 1626 the painting was moved to the high altar of the Basilica where it remains today. Some restoration to interior chapel walls have necessitated the removal/covering of old murals. When possible, small areas remain showing the vibrancy and detail of design. Behind the church is open park area with grass, walking paths and benches. You can see the Basilica from Porta Ticinese - one of the ancient city gates that were once part of the ancient city wall. A metro stop, bus stop and trolley stop are all in the area. Your map can direct you to the correct line. The Basilica is close enough to walk from the Naviglio Grande area up a narrow street lined with shops and restaurants and trolley tracks running down the middle.

This stunning church at the center of the city is well worth the stop. Inside, some amazing 14th…read moreand 15th century paintings, an amazing architecture and absolutely wonderful altarpiece. I visited several churches in Milan. This was definitely one of the lovelier ones. [Review 10669 overall, 437 of 2019.]

A must see when you're in Milan! The church is beautiful in itself, but it also houses one of the…read morebiggest renaissance masterpieces in the world. Make sure to buy tickets in advance since they are not sold onsite. Be aware and respectful of the dress code guidelines. The Last Supper is stunning! There's something about this experience that touches the soul and renders one speechless.

Absolutely stunning! You must book a ticket in advance as there is no possible way to buy tickets…read moreon site. Well worth the hassle of getting the ticket.

28OCT2025 Wow!…read moreJust an amazing artwork. You MUST see it with a guide to maximize your 15 minutes. Yes, you only get 15 minutes in the room. A guide with before and during will improve your visit substantially. We used Towns of Italy and thought our guide was good. €170 for 2

Seeing The Last Supper is one of those Milan experiences you kind of feel obligated to do, and…read morehonestly, it's worth it -- just don't expect fireworks. Even with prepaid tickets, you still have to go to the building next door to redeem them, then wait until your exact assigned time to enter. They run it super precisely, moving groups of about 20-30 people through a few climate-controlled rooms before you reach the main hall. You wait around five minutes in each section, then get about 15 minutes with the mural itself. Total experience is roughly half an hour. The process feels like airport security meets museum logistics, but it's designed to protect the painting. Having a tour group in my slot actually helped a lot: I unintentionally learned a ton by listening in, which made the experience more interesting. Without context, it's easy to just stand there like, "Yep, that's the painting." As for the mural itself, it's cool, historic, and obviously iconic -- but it is pretty faded in real life compared to photos. It's not visually mind-blowing, but knowing you're standing in front of something Leonardo painted over 500 years ago hits differently. Not thrilling, not overrated either. More of a quiet, respectful "wow, this actually exists" moment.