Feb 27, 2025

Saint Peter Martyr's Column Milan

Look Up: The Story

"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.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Piazza Sant'Eustorgio

free

Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Milan

La Sala Bistrot

Unbelievably good food-wine combo

"La Sala Bistrot" in Milan is a small bistro run by a talented trio with excellent food and organic wine 'that does not need to stink to be good!'

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Matteo

Carini

Mar 24, 2025

Eurojolly Biliardi

True local pool hall

"Eurojolly Biliardi" in Milan (since 1991) is a huge melting pot of the city's local subcultures, and that's the best thing about it...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Matteo

Carini

Mar 24, 2025

Marchesi

A 19th century pastry shop

If you want to go back in time and find yourself enjoying the best pastries of Milan, visiting Marchesi and trying their pistachio croissant is a must.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Mar 22, 2025

Flor

Natural wines and quality Italian tapas

"Flor" in Milan is a wine bar with the goal of making the world of natural wine accessible to all. Their cheeseboards are amazing...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Matteo

Carini

Mar 22, 2025

Rinascente

Affordable place for doing shopping

During the 20th century, it became one of the most important shops in the city, specialising in selling branded clothes, above all famous Italian brands.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Mar 20, 2025

Sant'Eustorgio

The best church in Milan

It was built in 334 a.c, in a period when Milan or Mediolanum, the Latin name of the city, was the capital of the Western Roman Empire.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Mar 20, 2025

The infamous column

Victims of superstitions

The first one was made in 1630, in place of the house of Gian Giacomo Mora, who was a barber, and it's still there today on the road that bears his name.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Mar 20, 2025

Terrazza Aperol

Best drink in Milan

There are two types of people: those who take Aperol and those who take Campari. But what's the difference? Read to find out...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Mar 20, 2025

Vitamina

Fairytale on the move

"Vitamina" Milan is a must visit amongst the famous underground electronic music in Milan. You'll find yourself in a whole other world in good vibes...

029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Matteo

Carini

Mar 20, 2025

Pizzeria Woodstock

The real pizza of Milan

This restaurant is one of those which is resisting and still gives the possibility to have delicious traditional pizzas at affordable prices.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Mar 18, 2025

Mitú Restaurant

The Spirit of Colombia

Mitú is a place I would enthusiastically recommend to a friend seeking a charming atmosphere, great cuisine and attentive and knowledgeable staff.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Carmen

Condeescu

Mar 17, 2025

Church Sant'Ambrogio

Back in the past

The Church of Sant'Ambrogio, built this church in the 5th century AD, is an important church because it was built by the patron of the city, Ambrogio.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Mar 17, 2025

Heading to Milan?

185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Milan?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

185 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Milan

Get to know our other Spotters from Milan

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
28
Filters