Milan is one of the key cities for Renzo's career and personal development.
The first time he visits the city, his character betrays him: first when he he witnesses the assault on the “Forno delle Grucce” and then, at the Luna Piena Inn.

The second time, it is like Renzo is in front of a different city, devastated by the plague. He also visits the Lazzaretto, which was the name given to the rectangular enclosure near Porta Orientale, meant for the hospitalization of the plague victims during the 1630 epidemic.