Holy Mary of Grace

The Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan is one of the most fascinating examples of Renaissance architecture and one of the most emblematic places in the city, both for its historical value and for the artistic treasure it houses: Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”. The construction of the complex began in 1463 by the will of Count Gaspare Vimercati, who donated the land to the Dominicans. The architect Guiniforte Solari was in charge of the works, completing the convent in 1469 and the church in 1482. The facade of the basilica, simple and imposing, is characterized by terracotta reliefs and decorative details that enhance the Gothic structure. However, it was under the rule of Ludovico il Moro that the church underwent its most significant transformation. In 1492, Ludovico commissioned Donato Bramante to build the apse as a mausoleum for his family. This Renaissance addition, with its majestic dome and cloister, represents one of the most significant architectural interventions of the period and introduces the language of Florentine Renaissance to Milan. The Bramante apse is a masterpiece of proportions and symmetry, consisting of a cube surmounted by a hemispherical dome, harmoniously connected through pendentives. This structure, along with the rest of the church, highlights the transition from Gothic to Renaissance, a transition that deeply marks the architecture of Milan at the time. One of the most famous elements of the basilica is the refectory, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”. Created between 1495 and 1498, this mural painting depicts Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, capturing the moment when he announces that one of them will betray him. “The Last Supper” is one of the most studied and admired works in the world, a symbol of Leonardo’s artistic genius and his innovative technique of dry painting, which unfortunately has made the work extremely fragile. During World War II, the church and the refectory were severely damaged by bombings. However, thanks to a skillful restoration work, completed in 1999, “The Last Supper” was brought back to light, using advanced technologies to stabilize the colors and remove previous restoration interventions. Santa Maria delle Grazie is not only a monument of extraordinary artistic beauty, but also a symbol of Milan’s cultural history. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980, the basilica represents a reference point for understanding Milan’s role as a center of power and innovation during the Renaissance. Ludovico il Moro, through his patronage, has left an indelible mark on the city, commissioning works that have changed the face of Milanese architecture and art. The basilica complex is articulated around three cloisters, the most famous of which is the Cloister of the Rane, so named for the central fountain adorned with four bronze frog statues. These spaces offer an oasis of peace and reflection in the bustling heart of Milan, testifying to the monastic life of the Dominicans who still inhabit the convent today.