The rectangular Belgioioso Square, hosts along its long side the Belgioioso Palace, a work of neoclassic style by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini. Construction for the building commenced in 1772 and was finished in 1781. From the moment of its completion the Palace has opened its doors to men of culture that render the building a fulcrum of intellectual life in Milano. For the construction of this Palace Piermarini found inspiration in the Caserta Royal Palace and its Neapolitan architect Luigi Vanvitelli, however expressed in a more simplified version. Of particular note are the bas-reliefs that adorn the upper part of the building. On the opposite side of the square stands the Besana Palace, (ex Casa Viscontini). Meanwhile on one of the short sides of the square lies the house where Alessandro Manzoni, (1785-1873), a symbol of Milano, lived and died. Currently in this location resides a Museum dedicated to his life, in which it is possible to visit the entire renovated structure in addition to the Centro di Studi Manzoniani and the Società Storica Lombarda.