Last Supper Tickets

Without any doubts The Last Supper created by Leonardo da Vinci is a main attraction in Milan. It’s so popular that it’s absolutely impossible to see this masterpiece without tickets reservation in advance.

When I was in Milan I tried to buy tickets near the entrance and I need to admit that it was my mistake. You can’t buy tickets to Santa Maria Church (place where the The Last Supper located) there. There are two opportunities to buy the tickets. First is to ask tickets in your hotel. It’s too dangerous since tickets to the Last Supper are limited and they sell very quickly. So, you can ask but there is a great probability that you will give a negative response.

Second, is to buy tickets in advance online. I have prepared a few links for you which you can follow and buy tickets to the Last Supper Online. As for me it’s a most suitable and convenient way to see greatests masterpiece. Enjoy your stay Milan!!!

Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

This church located to the west of the Duomo in the area which once was the center of Milan. The has been founded in 379 and it’s one of the oldest survived churches of Italy. It’s named after the first Milan bishop who was buried in the church’s crypt.

In the medieval times Sant’Ambrogio could hold all city’s population. Imagine how small Milan was in those times. In the moments of dangers all Milanese were sheltering here.

Photo Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

Inside of the church you can find a lot of interesting artifacts. For example, roman times columns, mosaics and murals. The second chapel of the church has frescoes by Tiepolo.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was built in 1877 and so far, it’s treated as the best shopping mall in the world. It’s not a cheap place and places there are reserved only for most prestigious and luxurious brands. I can event say that the galleria is a big lobby of the city. Milanese and city’s guests prowl here exposing themselves and looking for the new acquaintances.

Photo Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Note the mosaics, which adorn the floor of the Galleria. They depict the symbols of the different Italian regions. And there is a legend related with the bull (as I remember the symbol of the Florence). If you turn three times on your left heel, your dreams will happen.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a most beautiful Renaissance church in Milan. It was built on the site which in 1463 year was given to the Dominican Order by the earl Vimerkati.

Santa Maria got its fame thanks to “Last Supper” by da Vinci. But even without it, the church is the one of the most interesting places in Italy. It is not accidental that in 1980 Santa Maria delle Grazie has been included into the UNESCO list.

Photo Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan

Sforza Castle

One of the most famous monuments in Milan is a Sforzesco Castle, which during its long history was a residence, military camp and even the jail.

Its history began in 1358, when Galeazzo Visconti decided to build the fortress and the residence for his family. The work was done very quickly. Only in ten years after on the suburb of the city arose a castle surrounded by walls with towers on its corners.

The descenders of Galeazzo (Gin and Filippo Maria) enlarged the castle but after the death of Filippo Maria Visconti castle has been almost razed by the people during the times of so-called Ambrosian Republic.

Photo Milan Sforza Castle Main Entrance

Young Republic was in the state of war with Venice and it gave a chance to the military leader of Milan Francesco Sforza snap the power in the city. When Sforza became a new ruler of the city, he restored the castle and gave his name to it.

The heyday of Sforza Castle was during the Ludovico Sforza reign who transformed it into the wonderful palace. Ludoviko invited most famous artists of his time including Bramante and da Vinci for castle decoration and Sforzesco Castle became one of the cutest places in Europe.

Unfortunately, after the fall of the Sforza dynasty and following Milan occupation by foreign troops, castle has not been used as the residence. It was neglected and transformed into the military barracks. As result many of pieces of arts in the castle (including murals by da Vinci) where destroyed.

In the 16 century Spanish troops built new lines of fortifications around the Sforzesco Castle. But at the beginning of the 19 century they were demolished according to the Napleon decree. Today some of the remnants of the Spanish fortifications are visible in the Sempione Park.

At the second part of the 19th century the castle was in so bad conditions that city authorities even thought to demolish the castle and clear area around it.

Castle was saved thanks to the architect Luca Beltrami who proposed to restore it and place there public museums. The renovated work started in 1893 and in 1900 Sforza Castle has been open for publicity.

Today castle stands in good conditions with well-restored walls and towers. One of the most interesting things in the castle - is the Inner Courtyard (Corte Ducal) which looks like in the Renaissance times.

Castello Sforzesco hosts a number of interesting museums. The Archeological Museum holds many of prehistoric artefacts as well as the items of Roman times. The Art Museum contains medieval furniture collection and the art gallery. Another interesting museum of the Castello Sforzesco – is an musical instruments museums where you can see medieval instruments.

Statue of Leonardo da Vinci in Milan

This statue in from of La Scala in Milan has been erected in 1872 to honor one of the most famous men of Renaissance. Leonardo spent of lot of years in the city and did a lot for Milan. He is known here not only as the artist but also as engineer, who, for example, developed a net of channels in the city and worked over Milan fortifications

Photo Milan Statue of Leonardo da Vinci in Milan

Sempione Park

Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) occupies the area between Castello Sforzesco and the Arch of Peace. It one of the most green places in Milan with a lot of trees, meadows and artificial ponds.

Park has been laid out in 1893 in classical English style by architect Emilio Alemagna. Few years ago, it was totally renovated.

Today it’s popular place of relaxation in the city. Also you can find a lot of sports and play grounds in the park. In the summer time, in the Sempione Park are conducting different exhibitions and the concerts.

Photo Milan Sempione Park

Park has been built over the place where once stood Spanish Fortress. Almost nothing left from the fortress but you can see the vestiges of the shafts and moats.

Another one sight in the park is a Stadium, which was built in the beginning of 19 century and called “Arena”. When I visited Milan it was closed but hope you will be more lucky.

Arch of Peace in Milan

Arch of Peace in Milan stands in front of Sempione Park. It was contrived in 1806 as Arch of Triumph to commemorate Napoleon but after his defeat in the battle of Waterloo, it stood for few decades unfinished.

In 1826 Franz I of Austria decided to finish the Arch and ordered to resume the work. Of course it was not related with Napoleon any more. Arch has been redesigned and became dedicated to the European conference of Peace, which took place in 1815.

Photo Milan Arch of Peace

It was designed by Luigi Cagnola and after his death in 1833 construction was led finished by Francesco Peverelli and Francesco Londonio.

For publicity it was opened in 1838 in presence of the Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria

Roof of Duomo in Milan

If you plan visit Milan then think about excursion to roof of Milan Duomo. It's one of the best things which you can do in the city. Find below few photos which i made during of my ascension to the roof.

Photo Roof of Duomo in Milan