How long does it take to walk from Sforza Castle to Santa Maria delle Grazie?

The walk is approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) and takes about 12-15 minutes. This route passes through the pleasant streets of the Magenta district, filled with historic architecture.

Is the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana worth visiting?

Yes, it is essential for anyone interested in Leonardo da Vinci. It houses the Codex Atlanticus and his 'Portrait of a Musician,' making it one of the most significant Renaissance collections in Italy.

Can I see The Last Supper on this walking route?

The route takes you to the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie where the painting is located. However, viewing the mural itself requires a separate ticket booked months in advance; the basilica and surrounding area can be explored freely.

What is the 'Sistine Chapel of Milan'?

The Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is known as the Sistine Chapel of Milan due to its stunning, intact 16th-century frescoes that cover every inch of the interior.

Is this Leonardo da Vinci walk suitable for seniors?

Yes, the route is moderately paced and covers mostly flat terrain over about 2.5 kilometers. There are many cafes along Corso Magenta for resting, and the museums offer seating.

Where can I find Leonardo's Vineyard?

Leonardo's Vineyard is located at Casa Atellani, directly across the street from the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. It is a rare garden where the master's original vines have been replanted.

What is the best time of day to explore the Magenta neighborhood?

Morning is best, starting around 9:00 or 10:00 AM. This allows you to visit the churches and museums before they close for the mid-day break (typically between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM).

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Milan is often celebrated as Italy’s capital of fashion and finance, but beneath its sleek, modern exterior lies the profound legacy of the Renaissance. This self-guided walk invites you to step back into the late 15th century, a transformative era when Leonardo da Vinci called this city home for nearly twenty years. By following this walking route through the elegant Magenta neighborhood and the historic center, you will uncover the artistic and scientific footprint left by the ultimate Renaissance man. The journey begins in the heart of the city, where Leonardo’s presence is commemorated in stone, before leading you toward the halls of power and the quiet cloisters where he produced his most famous works. As you explore independently, you will encounter the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, a treasure trove of intellectual history that houses the world’s largest collection of Leonardo’s drawings and notes. The path then winds toward the 'Sistine Chapel of Milan,' a hidden gem of frescoed beauty that showcases the influence Leonardo had on his contemporaries. No exploration of this era is complete without visiting the Sforzesco Castle, the massive fortress where Leonardo served as a court engineer, architect, and artist for the Sforza dukes. The final leg of this neighborhood stroll takes you into the Magenta district, home to the UNESCO-listed Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. While the area is famous for housing 'The Last Supper,' the surrounding streets and gardens, such as the hidden vineyard at Casa Atellani, offer a more intimate look at Leonardo’s personal life in Milan. This walking tour Milan provides the flexibility to linger at a museum or enjoy an espresso in a historic plaza, allowing the stories of the Italian Renaissance to unfold at your own pace. Whether you are an art aficionado or a curious traveler, this route reveals how Leonardo’s genius helped shape the skyline and the soul of Milan.

Highlights

The Monument to Leonardo da Vinci in Piazza della Scala

The Codex Atlanticus at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Breathtaking frescoes at San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

The imposing courtyards of the Sforzesco Castle

The Renaissance architecture of Santa Maria delle Grazie

Leonardo’s Vineyard at the historic Casa Atellani

Tour Stops (6)

Monument to Leonardo da Vinci

Standing in the center of Piazza della Scala, you are greeted by the stern yet contemplative gaze of Leonardo da Vinci. This marble monument, unveiled in 1872, honors the master’s nearly two-decade residence in Milan. Leonardo is depicted at the top, surrounded by four of his most prominent pupils: Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio, Marco d'Oggiono, Cesare da Sesto, and Andrea Salaino. Notice the bas-reliefs on the pedestal, which illustrate Leonardo’s diverse talents as a painter, sculptor, engineer, and architect. This square serves as a bridge between Milan’s musical history, represented by the La Scala opera house, and its intellectual past. Take a moment to appreciate the symmetry of the square before we head toward the library that guards his most precious thoughts.

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is more than just an art gallery; it is a monument to human knowledge. Founded in 1618 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, it is one of the oldest public libraries in the world. Its greatest treasure is the Codex Atlanticus, a twelve-volume set of drawings and writings by Leonardo da Vinci. Within these pages, you can see his sketches for flying machines, hydraulic pumps, and weapons of war, alongside his iconic mirror-writing. The gallery also houses Leonardo’s 'Portrait of a Musician,' his only known male portrait. The hushed, scholarly atmosphere here reflects the Renaissance ideal of the 'universal man.' As you walk through the halls, consider how Leonardo’s curiosity bridged the gap between art and science.

Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

Often called the 'Sistine Chapel of Milan,' this church is a breathtaking explosion of Renaissance color. While Leonardo didn't paint these walls himself, the influence of his style—known as Leonardismo—is evident in every brushstroke. The frescoes were largely executed by Bernardino Luini, who worked closely with Leonardo's artistic legacy. The church is uniquely divided by a central wall, originally intended to separate the public from the cloistered nuns of the Monastero Maggiore. As you wander between the two halves, look for the vivid depictions of biblical scenes and the portraits of the Bentivoglio family. The preservation of these 16th-century paintings is remarkable, offering a window into the spiritual and artistic devotion of Renaissance Milan.

Sforzesco Castle

This massive red-brick fortress was the seat of the Sforza Dukes, the powerful family that brought Leonardo to Milan. Originally built as a defensive structure, it was transformed into a magnificent Renaissance court. Leonardo worked here for years, not just as an artist, but as a military engineer designing fortifications and a master of ceremonies for courtly festivals. His most direct contribution is the 'Sala delle Asse,' a room decorated with a complex canopy of interwoven mulberry trees, symbolizing the Duke’s wisdom. Even from the courtyards, you can feel the scale of ambition that defined the Sforza era. The castle today serves as a cultural hub, housing several museums that continue to celebrate Milan’s artistic heritage.

Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, blending the Gothic style of the nave with the magnificent dome added by Donato Bramante. It was intended to be the mausoleum for the Sforza family. While most visitors flock to the adjacent refectory to see 'The Last Supper,' the basilica itself is a testament to the era’s architectural innovation. Leonardo spent countless days here, working on his mural just a few steps away. The interplay of light and geometry in the tribune reflects the Renaissance obsession with harmony and proportion. Take a quiet moment in the cloisters, known as the 'Small Cloister of the Frogs,' to enjoy the same peaceful atmosphere Leonardo might have experienced.

Casa Atellani

Directly across from Santa Maria delle Grazie lies Casa Atellani, a beautifully restored XV-century palace. This was the home of the Atellani family, courtiers to Duke Ludovico Sforza. In 1498, the Duke gifted Leonardo a vineyard located in the gardens of this house as payment for his work on 'The Last Supper.' It was a rare and cherished possession that Leonardo mentioned in his will. Though the original vines were lost to time, modern DNA testing and replanting efforts have brought Leonardo’s Vineyard back to life. Walking through these gardens offers a rare, personal glimpse into the life of the master, showing that even a genius like Leonardo appreciated the simple pleasure of a quiet garden and a glass of wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Leonardo’s Legacy route in the Magenta neighborhood is ideal for art lovers. It connects major Renaissance sites like the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and Santa Maria delle Grazie, focusing on Leonardo da Vinci's 20-year career in Milan.