The building was commissioned by Ludovico di Moro and designed by Guiniforte Solari as a mausoleum for the Sforzesco dynasty. It was intended that the mortal remains of the duke and his wife, Beatrice d’Este, along with others who had close ties to the family, be laid to rest here.
The Dominican convent’s cloister and sacristy, which were connected to the building, were renovated by Bramante. The gallery’s terracotta decoration is striking and typical of northern Italian Renaissance architecture. The most famous work of art held here is Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ which hangs on the refectory wall.
