The Last Supper - and Lunch!
Table of Contents
Leonardo DaVinci’s Last Supper is one of the most treasured works of art in Italy. Have you wanted to see the Last Supper in Milano only to find that it requires a reservation in advance? That was ME! On my last trip I made the commitment that I would finally see Leonardo Di Vinci’s – The Last Supper, or Cenacolo Vinciano as it’s known here, because the last time I had purchased a ticket, I had to evacuate before the Covid lockdowns would make me a prisoner! Once again, my attempt to see it was foiled.
Leonardo Here We Come!
After a few blocks of walking the bustling but beautiful Corso Magenta we were there. Adjacent from the Maria delle Grazie is the ticket office. Once inside you go to collect your actual tickets, verify any arrangements, and lockers stow your purse and belongings. When you enter the glass hallway to the room, pictures explain how the church was bombed during WWII, and how the paintings miraculously survived in the rubble. The room (refractory) is climate controlled, you will have limited time to view the masterpiece so prepare yourself!
Finally, I See It...
25 Years and 3 foiled attempts… there it is, The Last Supper. It’s beautiful. It’s Passover, and Jesus with his Apostles have gathered for supper. It’s the moment that shows their reaction when Jesus tells his apostles that one of them will betray him. John 13:21 ~ After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified,“Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
The Last Supper is in all four Gospels – John 13:1-17:26, Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, and Luke 22:7-39
The painting was painted by Leonardo Di Vinci between 1495-1498. Because it is not a a true fresco, it has not aged well. It is comprised on Tempera on gesso, pitch and mastic. Attempts to restore it have basically failed. Little of the original paint actually remains.
Jesus Laments As He Explains the Future... and Truth
Crucifixion (1495) Giovanni Donato da Montorfano
Adjacent to “The Last Supper” is a fresco painted by the Renaissance artist Giovanni Donato da Montorfano. It’s in great condition considering it’s 527 years old! Look closely at the angels (or demons) over the men crucified with Jesus. I’d love to know the meaning of this symbolism.
Back out to the Sunshine and over to Santa Maria delle Grazie
In 1460, land was given to build a church and convent. It was began in 1463 and completed in 1482. Then bombed during the air raids of 1943 and rebuilt. You can read about it here.
Time for a Delicious Miliano Lunch! The famous Cotoletta!
On a beautiful day, there is nothing more Italian than eating at a sidewalk cafe in Milano as the world of fashion passes by. We had all gathered here for a surprise party for my friends Anna & Sergio who are family to Skip and Candace, my lifelong friends. Others had traveled to Italy for the celebration, because ANYONE who spends time with Anna & Sergio considers them family. They are THAT LOVED! I had researched purchasing another reservation, and read that with a group of 8 we could have a private tour! So, I talked to Skip and we put together a ‘family outing.’ Anna & Sergio, Candace & Skip, Maureen & David, Kate & Johnny and little old me.
We all drove and met at a metro station on the outskirts of Milano and headed to Costello Sforzesco near my favorite restorante Rita & Antonio. They graciously, on short notice, set us up a BEAUTIFUL table on the sidewalk. They are famous for their Milianese Cotoletta – Orecchio di Elefante – Pork chop pounded to an elephants ear! We ordered the lunch menu instead, we had vino and ????? What else is there? It was a joy to sit with friends old and new, in this lovely setting.
I Sadly Said my Fairwells ~ and Off I went to Modena
I said farewell to my friends in the Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, and headed down Corso Magenta, toward the Sforzesco Castello and the metro station. I passed the Giuseppe Garabaldi Monument, and then the Costello. I pick up my bag a block away at the DHL Express on Via Giovanni, and headed to Metro Lanza to Milano Centrale. Ciao Milano, see you again soon ! ~Angela
Guirdian Angels, Wings from Above???
I took this picture as I was leaving town. Hmmm, why are there 2 sets of wings? I’ve decided this bird is an angel looking over me. What else could it be? Off to Modena – my next Thirsty Exploration. Ciao! ~ Angela
The Nitty Gritty ~
The Last Super – Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano Tickets require a reservation in advance. There are numerous options of private tours, groups and single needs. Read close, some people are FREE.
Costello Sforzesco is giant museum! It’s a GREAT day for art, castle exploring, and relaxing.
Duomo di Milano is a short Metro ride away. The stained glass window describe the stories of the Bible and you can purchase a ticket to walk on top of the Spires of the Duomo or get a private in-depth tour !
Ready for some opera or ballet after cena (supper)? Teatro alla Scala is the Milano Opera House and you can purchase tickets to performances.
I do NOT recommend driving downtown Milano if you don’t have to. It’s easy to take the Metro from the outskirts of the city in all directions. They have big parking lots and easy ticket purchase.
By Air – Malpensa Airport (this is NOT the official site – it was broken) then the Milano Express Train to Milano Cadorna Station. Currently 13 Euros. Then walk.
By Train – From outside Milano, use the Trenitalia site to map your way into a major train station (Centrale, Lambrate, etc.) then the Metro to either Conciliazione or Cairoli Stations.
Cantina Carducci Enoteca Wine Bar has Espresso, all drinks as well great food.
Puccia’s Brothers– Full selection of drinks and food !~ Everything from Espresso to Spirits.
Rita & Antonio – For delicious Milanese Cuisine – Milanese Colletto, Fresh Pasta and PIZZA (vino of course)
Bar Magenta – has a panini bar and full line of drinks
Gelato ! Gelato Fatto Con Amore has a great selection and is nearby
Puccia’s Brothers –a great selection of specialty sandwiches and full line of drinks – check it out.
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