More than just a famous name? Discovering the home of Alessandro Manzoni

Manzoni?! Not again! Italian schoolchildren for years have groaned at the mention of the man credited with the invention of modern Italian by the publication of the famous novel I Promessi Sposi, ‘The Betrothed’. In Milan evidence of this man is everywhere: institutions such as the Teatro Manzoni and the Liceo Manzoni bear his name, as does one of the main streets leading off Piazza della Scala, but the name Manzoni can be found everywhere from law firms to local dental practices in Milan. Following these clues might lead you to discover something about this famous author, and what better place to start than his very home? The best ‘Goodbuy’ of all, as entry into the house is absolutely free.

Via Morone 1 plays host to the house that Alessandro Manzoni lived in from 1814 until his death in 1873 at the age of eighty eight. This house is somewhat off the beaten track for tourists, but makes interesting insight into the life of arguably one of the most famous Milanese men ever to have lived. Approaching the house from Piazza Belgioiso affords a view of the beautiful façade, although the entrance is at the side, leading into a courtyard and provides immediate access to the ground floor. Step back into the 19^th century and view the house exactly as it was, complete with furniture and beautiful ceiling decorations. Contemplate at leisure the study where Manzoni penned his novels and poems, as well as I Promessi Sposi. Ink stains on the felt surface are still visible, and it is easy to let your imagination wander to envisage the writer feverishly working on one of the most famous modern love stories in this dimly lit room. Climb the wide staircase to the ‘Sala di Conversazione’, a room Manzoni used solely for entertaining his friends, drinking and socialising every evening until midnight.

At a time when Italian did not fully exist as a clearly defined language spoken throughout the country, he had to publish I Promessi Sposi three times, in order to perfect his literary style. He used to say: ‘vado a sciacquar i panni in Arno’, which, beyond the literal translation of washing his clothes out in the famous river of Florence, meant that he had chosen Tuscan dialect as the foundation for the new Italian language.

Take a trip back in time at the Casa del Manzoni, and discover what lies behind this famous name. For more information see www.casadelmanzoni.mi.it or call 02 86460403. Free entry for all.

by Olivia Nairn