Our journey begins at Chiesa di San Carlo al Lazzaretto. This place is immortalized in “The Betrothed” functioning as a place of comfort for the sick during the plagues of the 1400s and 1600s. Its architectural magnificence suffered the passage of time but still offers a look into the past that captivated Manzoni’s imagination. It’s within the lively, inclusive, and multicultural district of Porta Venezia: here you can enjoy a shopping spree, a unique foodie experience or a cultural visit to the many museums and attractions in the area. 

Next, we explore the courtyard of Palazzo Luraschi, a magnificent palace built upon the ruins of the leper hospital that sheltered Lucia, one of the main characters in “The Betrothed”, during Milano’s 1600 plague. As you stroll through its courtyard, sculptures depicting the novel’s characters come to life, bridging the gap between fiction and reality. From Palazzo Luraschi, Corso Buenos Aires starts, one of the city’s most important commercial avenues. Nearby, the Quadrilatero del Silenzio (the area between via Serbelloni, via Mozart, via Cappuccini, and via Vivaio) beckons visitors with its hidden gems and atmosphere of the past. The nearby Fondazione Luigi Rovati is a noteworthy stop, hosting more than 200 pieces of art and temporary exhibitions.

No journey into Manzoni’s Milano would be complete without a visit to Casa Manzoni, the author’s residence in the heart of the city. This museum is a treasure trove of insights into his life and literary works, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the masterpiece and his enduring impact on Italian literature.

Chiesa San Fedele holds a special place in Manzoni’s story, as the writer regularly attended mass here. It was also on the steps of this church that he took a tragic fall which led him to his death. Today, a monument stands as a poignant tribute to the literary giant, making this site a significant stop on our literary journey. It is at a short distance from all the main attractions of the city center, such as Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Gallerie d’Italia with their rich exhibition program.

Let’s conclude our itinerary with a contemplative stroll through Cimitero Monumentale, a cemetery renowned for its grand sculptures and mausoleums. The main path will lead you to the Famedio dei Sepolti (hall of the buried), the final resting place of Manzoni and other distinguished Italians. Here, you can pay homage to people who forever etched their names into the annals of Italian culture, society, and history, such as poet Salvatore Quasimodo, artist Bruno Munari, prima ballerina Carla Fracci, songwriter Giorgio Garber, and writer Dario Fo and his wife, actress Franca Rame. After the walk, you are a short distance from via Paolo Sarpi, Milano’s Chinatown, famous for its street food, restaurants, and the ADI Design Museum dedicated to the Compasso d’Oro award.

Initiative created thanks to the resources of the Development and Cohesion Plan of the Italian Ministry of Tourism "Piano di Sviluppo e Coesione del Ministero del Turismo"