Ever wondered how close you can get to rural life just a few kilometers from Milan’s Duomo? Here at Cascina Ticinello you will find it. This isn’t just another park. It’s a living testament to Milan’s agricultural heart. Cascina Ticinello spans 88 hectares making it the fourth largest park in Milan.
Let’s step back in time. The agricultural park was conceptualized in 1982. Citizens and associations wanted to blend farming with city life. However it wasn’t fully realized due to unresolved land ownership issues.
Now look around you. The park is named after the Cavo Ticinello canal. This canal re-emerges here after a long underground journey. It gives life to this green space. The heart of this park is Cascina Campazzo. It features cereal crops meadows and a dairy farm with 130 cows.
Notice how the landscape unfolds before you. It is typical of the Lombardy plain. Rows of poplar trees line the fields and irrigation canals. These canals are part of an intricate network. The Cavo Ticinello crosses the park. The Roggia Scarpogna marks its western edge. These waterways are essential for agriculture. They also add to the area’s historical and natural appeal.
Now consider the two farmhouses within the park. Cascina Campazzo stands proudly. Cascina Campazzino sadly lies abandoned. Cascina Campazzo is a typical Lombardy farmhouse. It has remained largely unchanged for over 165 years. It supports livestock farming with 130 cows.
Imagine the hard work here. Since 1990 an association has promoted the park. They host educational events meetings and recreational activities. Cascina Campazzo with its Oratory of SantIgnazio its old wood oven its large courtyard is a hub for the community.
Take a deep breath. The park’s design respects the rural landscape. The park features rest areas wooded areas and a tree identification area. The main path follows the Ticinello canal. Picnic areas dot the meadows. There is also a fruit orchard and a tree recognition area. The park’s designers carefully chose native species for planting. Expect to see oak hornbeam poplar and willow trees. These species are typical of the Po Valley wetlands.
Did you know that Cascina Ticinello is a haven for wildlife? The park has about 70 bird species. You can spot various dragonflies and butterflies. In early summer the fireflies put on a magical display.
Consider the history of marcite fields here. The Cistercian monks created them around 1200. They drained marshy land and made it cultivable. These fields reached their peak in the 1700s. They allowed for fresh grass harvests even in winter.
Picture the annual tradition of Sant’Antonio. A bonfire marked the lengthening days after January 17th. It was a farmers’ celebration. It took place at Cascina Campazzo.
Let’s talk about the structures. The Campazzo farmhouse dates back to the 1700s. It expanded as irrigation improved and farming techniques advanced. By the mid-1800s the farm had its current layout. It has a central courtyard and buildings for workers and stables.
Remember the words of a local proverb: “For Saint Anthony an hour good.” It highlights the lengthening days and the traditions celebrated here. This park is more than just a green space. It is a bridge between Milan’s urban life and its rural past. Cascina Ticinello offers a unique glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage.