Cascina Campagna

“Four kilometers from the Duomo,” I begin, “lies a secret.” We stand before Cascina Campagna, seemingly miles away from the bustling city. Cascina Campagna is a working farm, a testament to Milan’s agricultural heritage. It’s a living piece of history nestled within the modern metropolis. The name “Milan” itself hints at this agrarian past. “Mediolanum,” I explain, “means ‘in medio lanae,’ in the middle of the wool.” Cascina Campagna is a part of that story. This farm, with its 30 hectares, sustains 130 cows. Their milk is the farm’s primary product. But Cascina Campagna also offers educational programs and hosts lively agricultural festivals. These events connect the city with its rural roots, inviting everyone to learn about and celebrate farm life. The farm’s existence wasn’t always assured. The farmers here, like many in the area, fought a 30-year battle against developers eyeing their land for housing. The struggle involved not only the farmers themselves but also the entire community. The creation of the Ticinello Park, encompassing Cascina Campagna, represents the hard-won victory of preserving green space. The park is a powerful symbol of how productive agriculture can coexist with environmental protection. Here, only a short distance from the city center, cows graze peacefully. The morning ritual of cows heading to the milking parlor has become a cherished sight for nearby residents. The farm even has a milk dispenser offering fresh, whole milk directly from the source. Cascina Campagna is a member of DAM, the Milanese Agricultural District consortium. This organization unites farmers in a shared mission to integrate agriculture with the city’s needs. The farmland within Milan’s municipality is now protected. This ensures the future of farms like Cascina Campagna and allows them to further develop activities that bridge the gap between urban and rural life.