The International Eugenio Balzan Prize Foundation was founded in Lugano in 1956 thanks to the generosity of Angela Lina Balzan, who inherited her father Eugenio’s considerable estate. She destined this wealth to honour her father’s memory.

Eugenio Francesco Balzan was born in Badia Polesine, near Rovigo (Northern Italy), on 20 April 1874. He spent most of his working life at Milan’s leading daily paper, Corriere della Sera.

After joining the paper in 1897 as an editorial assistant, he gradually worked his way up, becoming editor-in-chief and special correspondent. In 1903, editor Luigi Albertini made him managing director of the paper’s publishing company. He later became a partner and shareholder in the company.

He was not only a clever and skilful manager but also a leading personality in Milan. In 1933, he left Italy because his attempts to keep Corriere independent were not well viewed by certain milieus.

He then moved to Switzerland, living in Zurich and Lugano, where he invested his fortune with success. From there, he also continued his charitable activities in favour of institutions and individuals.

Balzan officially returned to Italy in 1950.

He died in Lugano on 15 July 1953.