Saint Peter Martyr's Column Milan

Look Up: The Story

Matteo from Milan

"On Saint'Eustorgio square stands the statue of Saint Peter of Verona, the crual Inquisitor of Milan and Como, overseeing trials for witchcraft and sorcery."

In Milan, it pays to look up. If you find yourself in Sant’Eustorgio square, near Porta Ticinese, raise your gaze to the top of a lone column, where an unexpected statue stands: Saint Peter of Verona, an ominous reminder of Milan’s medieval past.

Peter, appointed by Pope Innocent IV in 1250, was tasked as the Inquisitor of Milan and Como, overseeing trials for witchcraft and sorcery conducted by the Dominicans at Sant’Eustorgio. His harsh judgments and ruthless dedication made him notorious. Accused sorcerers faced their fates in the nearby Park Vetra, a place that would become infamous for its grim trials.

Peter’s reputation was so feared that it ultimately became his downfall. Returning from a trip to Como, he was ambushed and killed by rebels armed with a sickle, symbolizing the violent backlash against his merciless approach.

Today, the statue of Peter stands watchful and sombre in his column—a figure from Milan’s darker history that most people miss. But next time you’re in Sant’Eustorgio Square, take a moment to look up and see him, a silent reminder of the city’s complex and turbulent past.

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Milan Spotter Matteo

About Me Ciao! I’m Matteo, a Milanese explorer with a knack for uncovering the unexpected and an insatiable curiosity about the world around me. Born and raised in Milan, I’m easy-going yet always seeking that next unforgettable moment, whether it’s tucked away in a quiet piazza, caught in the buzz of an open-air market, or found on some wild adventure far from home. I’m fascinated by people—their quirks, their stories, and the small connections that make life feel big. Whether it’s a stranger’s laugh, a perfect sunset, or a hidden corner of Milan that nobody seems to...

About this spot

Piazza Sant'Eustorgio

€

free

Oct 29, 2025

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