Though little known, the piazza that is home to the church of Sant’Alessandro is one of the prettiest locations in Milano’s old city. Built in the late sixteenth century, the complex also includes the San Pancrazio oratory as well as the church dedicated to San Alessandro, who according to hagiography was held prisoner in a jail located on Via Zebedia. In 1588 the area was entrusted to the Barnabites, who immediately planned the construction of a new church, which more or less corresponds to what we now see, with a convent and schools, which today are used by the State University of Milano. Modifications over time have been kept to a minimum. Exquisite interior decoration is extremely harmonious, featuring one of the most complete cycles of seventeenth-century Milanese frescoes. Lateral chapels have sumptuous altars. Even more striking is the profusion of art and precious materials in the main altar, the pulpit and confessionals. The entire complex may be interpreted as an exaltation of Barnabite values, where penitence, patience and constancy are aligned with the grand mission of spreading culture, testimony to which is the presence of schools within the complex.