Sant'Ambrogio and the Last Supper

The local move

Pair the Last Supper with Leonardo's vineyard across the street: same morning, same story.

Best time to go

Morning, built around your timed Last Supper slot

When to avoid it

Mondays, when the Cenacolo and several museums close

The stops

1. Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

   Begin in the Romanesque basilica founded by Milan's patron saint, Ambrose, in the fourth century.

   Tip: Step into the atrium first; its arcades are the best introduction to the church.

2. Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci

   A monastery turned science museum, with galleries of models built from Leonardo's drawings.

   Tip: The Leonardo galleries alone take an hour; the rest can wait for a rainy day.

3. Santa Maria delle Grazie

   Bramante's tribune crowns the church whose refectory holds the Last Supper.

   Tip: Visit the church itself after your Cenacolo slot; entry to the church is free.

4. Cenacolo Vinciano

   Leonardo's Last Supper, seen in small timed groups for about fifteen minutes.

   Tip: Tickets sell out weeks ahead; we book them as soon as the release opens.

5. Casa degli Atellani e Vigna di Leonardo

   The Renaissance house and the replanted vineyard given to Leonardo by Ludovico Sforza.

   Tip: The garden is the reward: Leonardo's vines grow again on their original plot.

6. Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

   An unassuming facade hides walls entirely covered in sixteenth-century frescoes.

   Tip: Walk through to the nuns' hall behind the altar; it is the most spectacular part.

7. Pasticceria Marchesi 1824

   End at the original Marchesi pastry shop, wood-panelled and unchanged.

   Tip: Order a panettone slice even out of season; they make it all year.

About these walks

Explore our self-guided routes by city, with useful stops and practical notes from Chic Trip. Explore the destinations we plan.