Santa Maria delle Grazie, Renaissance church in Milan, Italy.
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church in Milan built during the Renaissance, blending Gothic elements with Renaissance forms. The building features a Gothic choir with an octagonal dome above the altar area, while the nave maintains traditional Gothic proportions.
Construction began around 1463 under Guinforte Solari, who maintained Gothic traditions for the nave design. Donato Bramante later enlarged the complex with an impressive dome and eastern sections, marking the shift toward High Renaissance forms.
The church is dedicated to the grace of Mary, a theme honored throughout Milan's religious tradition for centuries. Visitors today can sense how this spiritual focus shapes the space and draws people seeking connection with this religious heritage.
Access to the refectory requires advance booking with assigned time slots, and groups are limited to 30 people per session. Visitors should be flexible and allow extra time for queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
During World War II, sandbags and scaffolding protected both the building and the famous wall painting from bombing. These protective measures saved the structure from damage that destroyed most surrounding buildings during the 1943 air raids.
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