Nearly 48 years ago, an Italian immigrant named Paul Cento came to the Circle City to pursue the American dream. In Italy, he was already known as a famous shoemaker who had made shoes for the likes of Sophia Loren and Pope Pius XII.

But here in Indianapolis, he simply became known as the go-to man for all things shoe-related. And although he has since passed away, Cento’s sons now carry on his legacy in a little shop at 33 S. Meridian Street, just south of Monument Circle.