Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
Mailand, Lombardei, Italy
23.10.2019
The Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Lombardy, Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds an iconic masterpiece of the Renaissance period – Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper". This site is a must-visit for art and history lovers, as it not only showcases the genius of one of the greatest artists of all time, but also holds a significant place in the history of the city of Milan.
The construction of the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie began in 1463 under the patronage of Duke of Milan, Francesco I Sforza. The church was designed by renowned architect Guiniforte Solari, while the convent was designed by architect and sculptor Donato Bramante. The church and convent complex was completed in 1497, and the refectory within the complex was chosen to house "The Last Supper" painting by Leonardo da Vinci in 1495.
"The Last Supper" is a mural painting that depicts the scene of Jesus Christ's last meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. The painting, which covers an entire wall of the refectory, measures 460 cm × 880 cm and is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Western art. Leonardo da Vinci used an experimental technique known as tempera on gesso, which unfortunately resulted in the painting deteriorating over time. Numerous restoration attempts have been made to preserve the painting, and it continues to draw visitors from all over the world.
Aside from "The Last Supper", the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is also home to several other significant artworks, including frescoes by renowned artists such as Donato Montorfano and Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio. The church also holds the tombs of important figures in Milan's history, such as Ludovico Sforza and Beatrice d'Este.
In 1980, the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural and historical value. It is a testament to the city's rich history and its contributions to the world of art and architecture.
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The refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie forms an integral part of this architectural complex, begun in Milan in 1463 and reworked at the end of the 15th century by Bramante. On the north wall is The Last Supper, the unrivalled masterpiece painted between 1495 and 1497 by Leonardo da Vinci, whose work was to herald a new era in the history of art.
Santa Maria delle Grazie ("Holy Mary of Grace") is a church and Dominican convent in Milan, northern Italy, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent contains the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, which is in the refectory.
