Inside Leonardo’s Masterpiece: Where Art, History, and Travel Meet

As someone deeply passionate about art history and travel, the impact of seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan has stayed with me through the years. It’s one thing to admire this iconic masterpiece in books or photos, but standing in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, essentially 1 on 1, surrounded by whispers of history, brings it to life in a way nothing else can.

The Painting

Da Vinci’s Last Supper is not a traditional fresco. Unlike classic frescoes painted on wet plaster that absorb pigments and create a durable bond, Leonardo chose an experimental workaround — the fresco-secco approach—applying tempera and oil paints on a dry, sealed plaster wall. This gave him the luxury of time to perfect and revise the work. However, it came at a cost: the paint didn’t adhere very well and began flaking within decades, hastened by environmental factors like humidity.

Closer Up Image

Survival Against All Odds

You may not know this about me, but in addition to loving art and travel, I LOVE history (in particular WWII). So, when I learned about how this incredible painting survived the devastation of World War II, I was amazed. In August 1943, the convent was heavily bombed—the refectory roof collapsed, and much of the surrounding building was destroyed. But a few years before the bombing, Italian museum officials and church custodians had barricaded the mural with protective sandbags, wooden scaffolding, and metal bracing, shielding it from both the collapse and bomb fragments.

This preemptive care saved the painting from destruction, though it left the mural vulnerable to exposure afterward, presenting new challenges for preservation teams. I always find it inspiring those who took the time throughout history to protect our world's art, books and monuments so that they survive.

Travel Tips

If you’re planning to visit The Last Supper:

• Book tickets well in advance as they are hard to get/sell out quickly. Visits are strictly timed to protect the art and give a more intimate experience (only a small amount of people are allowed in at one time).

• Take a pause to learn the history of the piece and the building—it enriches your experience and appreciation.

• Photograph respectfully (no flash!) but remember some moments are best experienced when you’re fully present, with your camera tucked away.

  
  

The Excitement of FINALLY getting to see The Last Supper

Preserving Our Shared Heritage

Millions of priceless art objects were lost, looted, destroyed, or remain missing due World War II alone. And many of the world’s greatest monuments face threats from climate change and conflict to natural disasters. This makes it all the more vital to see and experience these treasures NOW, while they are here and do so with respect and gratitude. I had this realization on April 15, 2019, while watching the Cathedral of Notre Dame burn down. I had never seen it, never stepped inside to admire it in all it's amazing glory. Since then, I have travelled to Paris and seen it from the outside but have not been back since it's reopening. Traveling thoughtfully and appreciating the fragile beauty of our shared cultural heritage is one of the greatest ways we honor the past and help protect it for future generations here on Earth.

Why This Matters

Travel has the power to inspire, educate, and connect us with humanity. Seeing The Last Supper lifted my passion for art and reaffirmed my commitment to helping travelers find those enriching, unforgettable experiences.

If you love art history or meaningful travel, I encourage you to seek moments like these on your journeys—they’re priceless.