Intriguing Facts about the Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie
Fascinating Facts about the Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie
Discover interesting facts about the Last Supper painting and the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. This page delves into two distinct sections, offering essential information compiled as accurate quick facts, as well as some intriguing details and interesting tidbits, presented as fun facts that you won’t find in just any article about the church and that’ll make you go ooh and aah…
Quick Facts about the Last Supper Painting
- A masterpiece of the High Renaissance: Created by the renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci between 1495 and 1498.
- Location: Adorns a wall in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church in Milan, Italy.
- Medium: A unique blend of tempera and oil paints applied on plaster.
- Dimensions: A large mural measuring approximately 460 cm x 880 cm.
- Scene depicted: Captures the dramatic moment of Jesus sharing his final meal with his disciples, known as the Last Supper.
- Artistic technique: Although commonly described as a fresco, Leonardo experimented with a combination of tempera and oil paints, leading to its fragile state.
- History of restoration: The painting has undergone multiple restorations throughout the centuries, with a major one completed in 1999.
Quick Facts about Santa Maria delle Grazie Church
- Address: Santa Maria delle Grazie, Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano
- Coordinates: 45°27’57.5″N 9°10’16.1″E
- Construction started: 1463
- Construction finished: 1469 (convent), 1482 (Solari’s church), 1498 (Bramante’s church)
- Architects: Guiniforte Solari (initial design), Donato Bramante (influenced further construction)
- Architectural styles: Blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles
- Materials used: Brick, terracotta, marble
- Height of dome: 131 feet (40 meters)
- Height of nave: 92 feet (28 meters)
- Length: 289 feet (88 meters)
- Width: 213 feet (65 meters)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since: 1980
- Renowned for: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
- Owner: The Catholic Church, managed by the Dominican Order
- Number of visitors per year: Approximately 500,000
Secrets and Fun Facts about the Last Supper & Santa Maria delle Grazie
Forget the usual tourist fodder! Here are some jaw-dropping facts about the Last Supper and the Santa Maria delle Grazie that will leave you speechless!
Hidden in Plain Sight
The Last Supper wasn’t meant to be a masterpiece. Originally intended as a simple dining hall decoration, Leonardo da Vinci’s revolutionary approach and innovative techniques elevated it to the iconic status it holds today.
A Brush with Genius
Leonardo da Vinci used an experimental technique for The Last Supper, painting directly onto the dry plaster wall instead of using the traditional fresco method. This innovative technique, unfortunately, contributed to the painting’s fragility over time, but it also showcases Da Vinci’s constant pursuit of artistic innovation.
A Code in the Meal
Some art historians believe there are hidden messages and symbols woven into the composition of The Last Supper. The positioning of the figures, the objects on the table, and even the folds of the drapery have been analyzed for potential hidden meanings, adding a layer of intrigue to the masterpiece.
Narrow Escape
During World War II in 1943, Milan was heavily bombed by the Allies. Miraculously, the bombs only brought down the south wall of the dining room and spared the north wall, on which the Leonardo had immortalized his masterpiece. This near-miss is much more than just a stroke of luck, isn’t it?…
Change of Scenery
In a surprising turn of events, the very space where Leonardo da Vinci depicted the Last Supper, a scene of peace and unity, was once used by Napoleon’s troops as a horse stable. Austrians did establish a hospital within the Santa Maria delle Grazie complex during their rule of Milan in the early 19th century.
Close Encounters of the Artistic Kind
The Last Supper is one of the most tightly controlled tourist attractions in the world, with limited daily access and strict viewing times. In fact, visitors are only allowed to spend 15 minutes in front of the masterpiece, making it a truly exclusive encounter with a piece of artistic history.
A Musical Masterpiece in the Making?
Leonardo da Vinci was not only a famous painter, but also a talented musician and inventor. According to legend, he used sheet music to represent the positioning of the apostles in the Last Supper, creating a hidden musical score in the painting. Some believe that Leonardo also gave references to the number 13, considered an unlucky number in many cultures. Although these theories are still unconfirmed, they add a fascinating, mysterious layer to the artwork.
A Walk in the History Books
Stepping into the cloisters of Santa Maria delle Grazie feels like stepping back in time. These serene walkways, dating back to the 15th century, offer a glimpse into the daily life of the Dominican friars who once resided in the convent.
A Symbol of Hope
Despite the challenges it has faced throughout history, Santa Maria delle Grazie endures as a symbol of artistic innovation, cultural heritage, and religious faith. Its story continues to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world.
The “Secret Room”
Legend whispers of a hidden room behind The Last Supper. This rumor, however, likely originated from a misinterpretation of a passageway used by monks in the past. While no secret room exists, the legend adds a touch of intrigue to the church’s history.
Musical Marvels
The church’s organ, originally built in the 15th century, was one of the largest in Milan at the time. Sadly, it was destroyed during bombings in World War II. However, a new organ was built in the 20th century, and the church once again reverberates with music, adding richness and atmosphere to religious ceremonies.
A Culinary Connection
The refectory, where The Last Supper resides, originally served as the dining hall for the Dominican friars. While the monks wouldn’t have enjoyed the same lavish meals depicted in the painting, the space still holds a connection to food and its role in community life.
A Celestial Ceiling
Look beyond The Last Supper and gaze at the ceiling of the refectory. Here, you’ll find a beautiful 16th-century fresco depicting the celestial sphere. This astronomical artwork adds a touch of wonder and scientific curiosity to the space.
A Symbolic Garden
The tranquil courtyard within the monastery complex offers a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. Interestingly, the layout and plant choices in the garden are said to be symbolic, representing the spiritual journey of the monks who resided there.
A Silent Symphony
Due to the delicate nature of The Last Supper and the need for focused viewing, strict silence is enforced within the refectory. This creates a unique and somewhat surreal atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the painting without distractions.
Common People
The Last Supper stands as an immensely popular religious depiction, rendered by numerous esteemed artists. In a departure from both predecessors and successors, Leonardo da Vinci made a distinct choice by omitting halos from Jesus Christ and treating each character in the fresco as ordinary individuals. This departure from traditional religious iconography has led many art historians to assert that Leonardo, perhaps reflecting his belief in nature over a conventional divine entity, considered nature itself to be divine.
Eel or Hyerring?
Scholars have delved into Leonardo da Vinci’s deliberate choices in depicting the food on the table in The Last Supper, sparking debates over whether it represents herring or eel, each laden with its unique symbolic significance. Adding complexity to this interpretation, the Italian word for eel is “aringa,” while a similar term, “arringa,” means to indoctrinate. On the other hand, the northern Italian dialect term for herring is “renga,” a word also associated with someone who denies religion. This intriguing linguistic interplay aligns with the biblical prophecy of Jesus, anticipating Peter’s denial of knowing him.
Hammer and Nail for One-Point Perspective
The striking allure of the masterpiece lies in the unique perspective from which it is painted, seemingly beckoning the viewer to immerse themselves in the dramatic scene. Leonardo da Vinci ingeniously employed a method to create this illusion by driving a nail into the wall and attaching strings to it. These strings served as guides, aiding da Vinci in meticulously crafting the angles within the painting. This innovative technique contributed to the captivating three-dimensional quality that invites viewers to step directly into the intricacies of The Last Supper.
Not 100% Original?
In the late 20th century, the restoration efforts led by restorer Panin Brambilla Barcilon and his team were meticulous, employing advanced techniques such as microscopic photography, core samples, infrared reflectoscopy, and sonar. Their goal was to delicately remove added layers of paint and restore the original work with utmost accuracy. Despite these efforts, critics argue that only a fraction of the painting that currently exists can be attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, raising debates about the extent of the master’s direct contribution to the present state of The Last Supper.
John or Mary Magdalene?
In the movie “The Da Vinci Code”, a theory is proposed that in The Last Supper painting, only 11 disciples are visible, with Mary Magdalene depicted next to Jesus instead of John. However, after extensive study of all of Leonardo da Vinci’s works, experts consider this theory untenable. The traditional interpretation, with John beside Jesus, remains widely accepted among art historians and scholars, emphasizing the importance of critically examining historical and artistic claims.
Missing Feet
In 1652, residents of the monastery, faced with the deteriorating condition of the painting, made a significant decision to cut a new door in the wall. Unfortunately, this action resulted in the removal of a portion of the artwork, particularly affecting the depiction of Jesus’ feet.
Book Santa Maria delle Grazie Tickets & Tours
See below your Santa Maria delle Grazie ticket options and pick from the finest selection:
Da Vinci’s Last Supper Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
704 Reviews
From €55.44
Headout
“Marcella’s guide in English was fantastic! She is incredibly knowledgeable and she is also an excellent storyteller…”
The Last Supper: Skip The Line Ticket + Historical Guided Tour of Milan
86 Reviews
From €90.00
Tiqets
““The guide was absolutly outstanding!! Very knowledgable and very engaging…”
With this Santa Maria delle Grazie Ticket, immerse yourself in the iconic Last Supper painting during a 1-hour guided tour. Spend 15 minutes in front of the world-famous mural, absorbing the fascinating history behind it from your guide.
“Our guide was terrific- we learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed our time with our guide. Highly recommended. Thank you!” Marko – April 2024 [Source: Headout]
Join a Historical Walking Tour of Milan, inclusive of a Skip-the-line Santa Maria delle Grazie Ticket. Enjoy fast-track entry to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, followed by a leisurely stroll to iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, La Scala, and Sforza Castle, among others.
“The guide was absolutly outstanding!! Very knowledgable and very engaging.” Anonymous, June 2024 [Source: Tiqets]
Secure your visit to the world’s most famous Renaissance mural, the Last Supper, with a guaranteed Santa Maria delle Grazie Ticket. Additionally, discover the highlights of Milan on this 3.5-hour half-day guided bus tour.
“The guide is very attentive, you can tell that he is very passionate about the tour, always telling us interesting facts. The only thing I ….” , Emilio Aguirre – Mexico; September, 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Save time and money with this combo deal, featuring a Da Vinci’s Last Supper Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with a Santa Maria delle Grazie Ticket, coupled with YesMilano’s 3-day city pass. The city pass includes free public transportation in Milan and entry to various top attractions.
“The tour guide explained very well and with humor throughout the tour making us at ease. The tour to the last supper would have been uninteresting and kind of bland if we had not have anyone guiding us.” Wong; December 2023 – [Source: Headout]
