Piazza San Fedele

You’re now in Piazza San Fedele, facing the Jesuit church of the same name. This was the Jesuits’ first residence in Milan, built in the late 16th century and still an important parish centre today. It’s also listed as an Italian cultural heritage site.

Standing in the middle of the square is a statue of Alessandro Manzoni. If his name doesn’t ring a bell, he was an 18th-century Italian novelist and poet, and yes, a Milan native, widely regarded as the greatest Italian writer after Dante. His house is just around the corner, on the square behind. But that’s not the only reason for his statue here. This is, in fact, where he died on May 22, 1873, from a head injury after falling as he left the church. So, if you decide to step inside for a visit, take care on your way out, you can never be too careful.