“Was this once a military fortress?” That’s a question I often hear about Cascina Borromeo. It is a captivating place steeped in history. Today, we’ll delve into its past.
Cascina Borromeo stands in Peschiera Borromeo near Milan. Its story begins in the 15th century. Vitaliano I Borromeo, a rich Milanese banker, acquired land here. In 1432, he gained the right to fortify his “cassina,” transforming it into a fortified farm. This marked the birth of what would become Castello Borromeo.
Initially, Cascina Borromeo was a rural construction. Vitaliano sought to elevate his family’s prestige. He also aimed to protect his relatives during turbulent times. The structure’s modest size suggests it wasn’t intended for major military campaigns. The surrounding terrain offered little natural defense.
A defining feature is the moat, fed by spring water. Four corner towers and a taller central tower guarded the entrance. In 1929 and 1968, workers found stone balls in the moat and courtyard. These discoveries hint at past conflicts.
Legend says Francesco Sforza visited Cascina Borromeo around 1448. He may have awaited a Milanese delegation offering him the duchy. An anonymous artist later depicted this event in an allegorical painting. It shows two hands extracting a chestnut from its burr representing Milan.
To repay the Borromeo family’s support, Francesco Sforza granted privileges to Filippo Borromeo. These included permission to strengthen Peschiera’s fortifications. He also received the title of Count of Arona.
Despite its fortifications, Cascina Borromeo saw limited military action. Peschiera’s name rarely appears in historical accounts of battles. Spanish occupation led to the “decapitation” of the four corner towers. This was likely an effort to prevent rebellion.
From 1562 to 1567, San Carlo Borromeo owned the castle. Later, Renato Borromeo renovated the castle in the late 16th century giving it a more residential appearance.
The 16th century was marked by conflict between France and Spain. Cascina Borromeo became entangled in the struggle for Milan. Despite attacks, it remained unconquered. Chronicles recount an assault in 1502 by a large force of Gascons. The castle’s defenders bravely resisted.
Later, French troops occupied Cascina Borromeo in 1522. In 1526, troops led by Francesco Maria della Rovere besieged the castle. Francesco Guicciardini described the area as “strong and marshy”.
The castle’s quadrangular design aligns with other Borromeo properties. A single tower stands above the main entrance. Three building sections are surrounded by ramparts. The eastern side has a scarp. The tower once featured a drawbridge. It served as a lookout point. The corner towers have a truncated conical shape.
Inside, the Sala delle Armature greets visitors. It features a coffered ceiling and antique arms. The Scalone leads to the Sala delle Grottesche. This room showcases intricate decorations. The Salone Principale is the castle’s most important area. Frescoes adorn its walls. Allegories offer moral lessons.
Other rooms include the Sala del Primo Mulino and the Sala di San Carlo. The Sala delle Proprietà Borromeo displays views of Borromeo properties. The Sala del Castello di Peschiera offers a depiction of the castle itself.
Cascina Borromeo today is a testament to a rich and varied past. It blends military history with artistic beauty. Its story reflects the power and influence of the Borromeo family. As you explore, remember the generations who shaped this remarkable place.