Before us stands Cascina Garavaglia, a testament to centuries of life in the Milan countryside. Though it may seem like a simple farmhouse, its walls hold stories of nobility and religious power.
Cascina Garavaglia was born in the 16th century, a typical Lombard residence nestled amidst the verdant fields. The original structure, a central courtyard surrounded by buildings in a U-shape, offered shelter and work for generations of families. However, the early 1700s ushered in a change. Ownership passed to the canons of the esteemed San Paolo church in Milan, signifying a shift in its purpose. Imagine the whispers of the monks from the nearby Morimondo Abbey mingling with the sounds of farm life – a blend of spirituality and earthly toil.
Then came Napoleon. In his quest to transform Italy, his decrees swept through the land. In 1810, Cascina Garavaglia came under the control of the Duomo, the most iconic landmark of Milan. The farmhouse became a valued possession, a symbol of the city’s ambitions during an era of great change. Yet, a few years later, in 1811, a twist of fate saw the farmhouse’s ownership transferred to a man named Gaetano Negri, a powerful figure in the government. Could the building have been the site of secret meetings, decisions that shaped the future of the city?
From 1912, Cascina Garavaglia has been in the hands of its current owners. Although the once-extensive lands have been reduced, the core of the farmhouse remains a timeless relic of the past. Today, its grand halls, adorned with elegant décor and grand fireplaces, stand as a testament to its dignified history and the enduring allure of the Italian countryside.