What secrets does Cascina Chiaravalle hold? This seemingly simple farmstead, nestled within Milan’s Parco Agricolo Sud, has witnessed a dramatic transformation. Cascina Chiaravalle was once a haven for organized crime, the largest confiscated property of its kind in Lombardy. Now, it stands as a testament to the power of community and renewal. Imagine nine hectares of land, complete with fields, two-story buildings, independent houses, and agricultural sheds. This was the domain of Pasquale Molluso, a notorious mafioso, until its confiscation in 2009. When the cooperative Passepartout took control, they found it stripped bare, even the copper wiring gone. The marble floors remained, a stark reminder of former opulence amidst the desolation.
Cascina Chiaravalle’s journey began in 2013 when it was transferred to the Comune di Milano. Passepartout, a consortium of cooperatives, embarked on an ambitious project of restoration and repurposing. Their vision: “Da luogo per uno a luogo per tutti” – from a place for one to a place for all. The main building, once Molluso’s stronghold, houses Cascina Grace, a residence for seniors, some with Alzheimer’s. A former pianist fills the marble-floored halls with music, evoking memories for the residents. In the same courtyard, the CentoPassi educational community provides a nurturing environment for children separated from their families.
Cascina Chiaravalle also shelters families facing housing emergencies, many of them large, multicultural families. Sharing a single kitchen can be challenging, but the aroma of ethnic spices testifies to their diverse backgrounds. Even the former caretaker’s house now provides a home for migrants seeking work and integration. The surrounding land plays a vital role in the community’s healing. The Il Branco project offers “natural horsemanship” to residents and locals alike. The horses, living in a herd, foster new forms of social connection and conviviality. The fields, once neglected, are cultivated by workers, including inmates from the nearby Opera prison, contributing to the farm’s economic and social revival.
Cascina Chiaravalle also opens its gates to the public on Sundays, welcoming families for picnics and barbecues, further strengthening its ties with the surrounding community. This place, once a symbol of criminal activity, has become a beacon of hope and inclusivity. Cascina Chiaravalle reminds us that transformation is possible, that a place once controlled by one can become a place for all.