Founded in 1884 the Liceo ginnasio statale Alessandro Manzoni stands proudly in Milan. It wasn’t always here on Via Orazio. Initially the school was meant for Via Sant’Orsola. However building renovations took too long. So the Liceo Manzoni began its life at Via Circo 4. Later it moved to Via Cappuccio 2.
The Liceo Manzoni’s current building is a testament to resilience. Construction started in 1913. The central part was completed in July of that year. It stands on land once occupied by a convent. This was on property belonging to the main hospital. By September 30th the Liceo moved to its new home on Via Orazio.
The school’s history is woven into Milan’s. It thrived even during wartime. The Liceo faced hardship. Sixty-three students and former students perished in World War I. The building itself suffered damage from bombing. Yet it endured. The impact of Italy’s fascist laws is also part of its story. Sixty-seven students were lost due to racial persecution in 1938.
After the war the Liceo embraced change. In 1946 classes became mixed gender. Female students outnumbered males in the 1960s. The school also adapted to education reforms. The first three years of the classical curriculum morphed into the Giulio Cesare middle school. This shared the building. It was housed in a separate area using the entrance on Via Lanzone. Later due to overcrowding the middle school moved to Via Santa Croce. The Liceo Manzoni’s growth spurred the creation of the Tito Livio high school in 1973. This came about from a branch established in 1972 due to the large number of students. There were 58 classes in total at that time.
The Liceo Manzoni’s legacy includes student activism. The first student occupation occurred in March 1968. The school had numerous student newspapers during the 1960s and 70s. The Collettivo Politico Manzoni a student association still exists today. This is a testament to the enduring spirit of the students. The Liceo Manzoni continues to shape generations of Milanese students. Its beautiful Lombard Neo-Renaissance facade has even undergone restoration in 1999. Its history is one of endurance and evolution. It’s a cornerstone of Milan’s rich educational landscape.