Lost in rice fields, the eighteenth-century Cascina San Marco holds secrets of a rural past. Let’s step back in time together. This farmhouse stands as a testament to Milan’s agricultural heritage.
Cascina San Marco shows a typical closed courtyard structure. It mainly raises Friesian cattle. These cows are vital for milk production. In the past fountains and waterways thrived here. Now a lake environment survives. This gives life to a naturalistic micro-oasis. Explore it on foot or by bicycle.
San Marchetto, San Marco al Bosco, and San Marcaccio farms surround the small country church of San Marchetto. They take their names from this church. Legend says the church marks the spot where a wooden crucifix was found. It’s still preserved here. The church stands on a hill. This corresponds to the original countryside plan. Cultivated land lies at a lower level. This is due to clay removal for brick production.
The church’s construction date is unknown. Yet documents mention it around 1280-90. The Liber notitiae sanctorum mediolani lists it. Goffredo da Bussero, a chronicler, likely compiled this catalog of worship places.
Pope Pius VII granted plenary indulgence. This was for those venerating the crucifix in September. It coincided with the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14.
Visiting Cascina San Marco is free. The surrounding area is rich with lake environments. Unexpected naturalistic micro-oases await exploration. These areas offer a glimpse into a hidden world. Cascina San Marco provides an opportunity to connect with nature. It reveals Milan’s blend of urban and rural landscapes.