Didn’t this rural complex once hum with the rhythms of a self-sufficient world? We are standing before Briavacca. It is a hamlet and part of Rodano. Briavacca whispers tales of centuries past. It invites us to explore its history and architectural significance.
Let’s journey back to the 14th century. Briavacca likely began as a religious complex. It may have been under the influence of the Sforza family. Imagine this land as a village. In 1751 Briavacca had just over 100 inhabitants.
Fast forward to the early 1800s. Briavacca briefly lost its independent status. Napoleon’s decree joined it with Pantigliate and then Pioltello. But Briavacca was reborn in 1816 when the Austrians restored its municipality. They expanded it by annexing Cassignanica. By 1861 the population grew almost fivefold.
However Briavacca’s independent life ended in 1869. The local population requested annexation to Rodano. This took effect on January 1 1870.
Look around. The layout of Briavacca tells its story. The large open courtyard greets visitors. It is defined by a long row of farmhouses. The enclosed quadrilateral courtyard reveals the heart of the complex. It features the manor house a granary porticoes and a large stable.
East of the main courtyard lies another courtyard. An elongated porticoed building stands here. It has a granary at its center. Note the pillar structure. It supports a wooden architrave. This supports the roof’s trusses.
West of the main courtyard is a third courtyard. A stable with a portico stands here. It was built in the second half of the 19th century. Silos and more farmhouses add to the scene.
Consider the materials. Brickwork construction prevails. Most of it is covered in plaster. Where visible the floors are wooden in the farmhouses. The portico of the manor house shows the same. Alternatively there are iron beams and small brick vaults in the stables. The roofs are wooden with tile coverings.
Briavacca underwent changes over time. The Teresian Land Register map from 1721 shows buildings around an open main courtyard. Ditches from a canal surrounded the complex. They fed water to the gardens and land. By 1855 the main courtyard was enclosed. A building was added along the east side. Existing buildings outside the courtyard were enlarged.
Even today the main courtyard serves its original purpose. It houses the manor house granary and stables for cattle and horses. The southern and western farmyards still contain farmhouses. Silos have been added. The long porticoed building east of the main courtyard. It is visible on the 18th-century land register.
Briavacca stands as a testament. It shows agricultural production over the centuries. It is now privately owned. With the neighboring Pratomarzo farm it forms a rural area of architectural and environmental interest. It is near industrial and residential zones. Briavacca is a reminder of Milan’s agricultural past. This is set against the backdrop of its industrial present.