Gazing at Cascina Poscallone, one can almost hear the whispers of its past. This isn’t just a farmhouse. It’s a time capsule nestled near Milan, in the verdant Parco del Ticino. Cascina Poscallone invites you to step back in time. Its story intertwines with ancient monasteries, medieval pilgrims, and the very waterways that shaped Milan.
Cascina Poscallone likely originated in the 14th or 15th century. It may have served as a grange for a Benedictine or Umiliati monastery. Two large frescoes hint at its historical significance. One, already restored, depicts the Madonna and Child. The child holds an object resembling a modern double-edged razor, leading to its nickname, “the Madonna of the Bilama.” Alongside them are Saint Francis and Saint Bernardino of Siena, identifiable by his three papal tiaras. A second, deteriorated fresco portrays a crucifixion scene. This scene includes Saint Bernardino, Saint Francis, and a mysterious figure with a lowered robe and bare torso.
The name “Poscallo,” or “Poscale,” references an area between the present-day Cascina Poscallone and the Bereguardo Canal. The medieval Latin term “Piscalis” evokes fishing, likely alluding to fishponds in the Ticinello. This stream eventually transformed into the Naviglio Grande. The very location of Cascina Poscallone, overlooking the Naviglio Grande near a small cove, reinforces this connection. Saint Bernardino of Siena’s visit to Abbiategrasso in 1431 further supports the dating of the frescoes. He is depicted in both. By the late 15th century, Cascina Poscallone, or “Poscallo di Sopra,” had become a private farm. Its size remained largely unchanged. In 1802, under the ownership of the Negri family of Cassinetta, it spanned about 19 hectares.
Today, Cascina Poscallone welcomes visitors. Its recent restoration has breathed new life into the oldest, 15th-century section. A renovated 20th-century building provides modern accommodations, including a wheelchair-accessible apartment. Future plans include a tractor shed and the restoration of the north wing. The farm stands as a testament to its enduring history. It embraces the future while whispering tales of its rich past. The echoes of monks, pilgrims, and the flowing waters of the Naviglio Grande continue to resonate within its walls. Cascina Poscallone invites you to experience this unique blend of history and nature.