Lost in the fields, a ruin emerges. This is Cascina Bindellera. It is a piece of history literally falling apart. Yet, it is also considered the most beautiful farmhouse in Cassina.
The Cascina Bindellera dates back to the 16th century. It stands as a testament to Milanese rural architecture. The Regione Lombardia recognizes it as a cultural heritage site. Despite its cultural significance, the Cascina Bindellera is privately owned. It is unfortunately in a severe state of neglect. Its isolated location has made it a gathering place for unwanted activity.
The farmhouse features a residential building to the north. Rustic structures lie to the south. A mill once stood at the western edge. It harnessed the Ruffina canal’s water for power but the wheel is now missing. The landlord’s residence is located at the northeast end.
Until 1979, the Famiglia Vimercati worked the land for the Invernizzi family. They delivered milk for the Invernizzi cheese company. Luisa Vimercati fondly remembers her childhood at Bindellera. She recalls winters with frost and fog. Autumn brought orange hues. Summer meant hard work. Spring burst with wildflowers. She says “the rhythm of nature was the rhythm of our lives”.
Luisa lived in the farmhouse for 22 years. About 40 to 50 people lived there. The community extended to nearby farms. People shared tools and resources. They cooperated and aided each other.
The farm’s main activities included growing wheat corn and fodder. They cultivated meadow fields and raised horses. They also kept poultry and barnyard animals. Cows were milked and gardens were tended.
Between the 1970s and 1980s many local farms closed. Cassina’s population doubled. Urbanization pushed farmers to abandon their land. They sought work in factories.
Today Cascina Bindellera remains abandoned. It has been abandoned since 1979. The Invernizzi Foundation donated it to the Comune di Cassina de’ Pecchi around 2000. Though dilapidated, it offers a glimpse into a nearly forgotten rural past. It allows one to breathe the air of tradition. You can almost hear the echoes of farmers and feel the connection to the land that once defined life here.