The Last Supper "StandBy"?

Question

I tried making reservations to see the Last Supper 4 days in advance, but they are booked until the end of May. I blame the Da Vinci Code for this.

What are the rules for going on "standby" in case somebody does not show up for their reservation? What are my chances? I am going this weekend.

Wish me luck.

Answer 1

Basically you just show up at the church and tell them you're willing to wait for someone who doesn't arrive.  They let in about thirty people per hour, in two groups of fifteen.  From my experience, the earlier you go in the day (like, the first and second entries), the more likely you are to snag a cancellation.  After "troppo vino" some tourists won't make it to their early appointments!

Answer 2

Reservations are mandatory.  only 25 tourists are allowed in every 15 minutes for exactly 15 minutes. Prior to your appointment time, you wait in several rooms, while doors close behind you and open up slowly in front of you. The information posted on Leonardo is mainly in Italian.

If spots are available (more likely on weekdays and late) you can book one at the desk (even if "Sold Out" sign is posted). If fewer than 25   people show up for a particular time slot, you can get lucky.  But those who show up without a reservation generally kill lots of time waiting around

***Note that the €50 Autostradale city bus tour (9:30 am departure only) includes entry to The Last Supper. Autostradale books out the 12:00 and 12:15 slots speculating that they'll fill their buses. If they don't, they release these tickets at 10:00 each morning. Desperate Last Supper fans without a ticket and who don't want to pay for the bus tour, can try being at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie at 10:00 and grab these as they are released.