Giovanni Tristano, born in 1515, was a member of a prominent family of architects. The earliest documented evidence of his activity dates back to the 1540s. He collaborated with his brother Lorenzo in the field of construction. In 1555, following the death of his wife and son, he entered the Society of Jesus. He played an important role as a Jesuit architect, contributing to numerous renovations and new constructions, developing typological schemes for the practical needs of the Jesuit community. He was the first "consiliarius aedificiorum" from 1558 until his death in 1575. His work was praised for adhering to the "modo nostro," the objectives of comfort, efficiency, solidity, hygiene, and sobriety of the company.