This is one of these WHS where you really have to make an effort to get in. I already set out 3 months beforehand to book tickets online, and still, only a time slot at 8.45 am on Sunday morning was available. The entrance fee is only 6.5 EUR for adults, and free for children and over-65's. I also got a simple audio guide for 3.50.

The painting (it's not a fresco) is located in the refectory, accessible at the back of the church via a separate entrance. Every 15 minutes groups of 25 people are let in. You go through a series of electronic doors, opened up one by one to heighten the anticipation. It made me think of the same spectacle at the Altamira Cave. However, that is only a replica, while this is the real thing.

My mother and I were the first to enter the huge dining hall. It has the Last Supper covering the complete wall on your right hand, and a Crucifixion fresco by Giovanni Donato da Montorfano doing the same on the left.

There are benches to sit on from where you can quietly take it all in. The painting is unbelievably bright, it has been restored many times as the paint will not hold very long on the drywall. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to "brush away" the large door opening in the center that hides Jesus' feet.

After our scheduled 15 minutes gazing at the paintings was over, we visited the Church & Convent next door. It has a spectacular dome by Donato Bramante, and is quite odd-shaped in general. The interior is made out of marble and terra cotta. There is also a lovely cloister.