House Manzoni

Casa Manzoni, located at via Gerolamo Morone 1 in the center of Milan, is one of the most important Italian house-museums, dedicated to the life and work of the great writer Alessandro Manzoni. This residence is not only a place of literary memory, but also a symbol of a crucial cultural and historical era for the city and the entire Italian nation. Alessandro Manzoni moved into this house in 1813, after his return from Paris with his wife Enrichetta Blondel and his mother Giulia Beccaria. From that moment, the house became a hub of Milanese cultural life, frequented by intellectuals, artists, and politicians of the time. Manzoni lived here until his death in 1873, writing some of his most important works, including “The Betrothed”, the novel considered the masterpiece of 19th-century Italian literature. The facade of the house, sober and elegant, reflects the neoclassical style typical of the period. However, it is inside where you can breathe the atmosphere of the time and the presence of the writer. The rooms have been kept almost intact, with original furniture and numerous personal items of Manzoni. The living room and the study are particularly significant: here Manzoni received illustrious guests such as Cavour, Garibaldi, and many other protagonists of the Italian Risorgimento. The study, overlooking the garden, was the writer’s refuge, where he could concentrate and work in peace. Over the years, Casa Manzoni has undergone various transformations. After Manzoni’s death, the house changed ownership several times until, in 1937, it was purchased by the Cassa di Risparmio delle Provincie Lombarde. Since then, it has been restored and opened to the public as a museum. The museum has recently been renovated with a modern museological approach, offering an engaging and detailed exhibition on the life and work of Manzoni. The museum houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and first editions of Manzoni’s works, as well as portraits and memorabilia from the time. Among the most precious objects is an autographed copy of “The Betrothed” illustrated by Francesco Gonin, a work that helped define the visual imagery of the novel. The private rooms of the house, such as the bedroom and the study, offer a glimpse into the daily life of the writer and his family, enriched with anecdotes and curiosities that make the visit even more fascinating. Casa Manzoni is not only a place of memory, but also a center for Manzoni studies, hosting the headquarters of the National Center for Manzoni Studies. This institute promotes research and dissemination of Manzoni’s work through conferences, publications, and other cultural initiatives. The house is also a reference point for cultural and literary events, attracting scholars and enthusiasts from around the world. A visit to Casa Manzoni offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of the writer, discovering the places where his ideas and works were born. Each room tells a story, each object reveals a detail of Manzoni’s life, creating an engaging and emotionally rich experience. It is a journey through time that allows a better understanding of Manzoni, not only as a writer, but also as a man and a citizen of his time.