Hidden in Milan’s Città Studi district lies Cascina Rosa. This historic structure has roots reaching back to the 16th century. Cascina Rosa became an agricultural hub in the following century. The Rosales family from Spain owned it then. That family gave Cascina Rosa its “Rosa” name.
Urban development led to its abandonment. In the 1980s, the Municipality of Milan acquired it. In the late 1990s, the Istituto dei Tumori and the Università Statale took over what remained of Cascina Rosa. This marked the start of its rebirth. Part of its land became the Orto Botanico. A glass building was built for research. The old stable was restored. It became a multi-purpose center.
In 2004, Professor Franco Berrino spearheaded a change. He was head of epidemiology at the Istituto Tumori. He initiated works to repurpose part of the old stable. It transformed from a multi-purpose center. It became a restaurant. Its focus was on the study of “healthy foods”. This led to a collaboration with Salute Donna. They designed and purchased the industrial kitchen. They also acquired furnishings. These were needed to host patients involved in research projects. These were known as the DIANA project.
In 2005, the famous open kitchen was inaugurated. It is a spacious environment. Tables sit under vaulted ceilings. The spaces are dedicated to food culture and health. Cooking courses take place here. Studies explore the link between diet and cancer. The epidemiology department of the IRCSS runs these activities. Volunteers help with the organization and management of the kitchen. Besides courses for patients, Salute Donna organizes cooking classes. They host apericena events too. These promote the culture of food prevention. Doctors and nutritionists introduce the lessons. They suggest healthy lifestyles for maintaining good health.
Entering this oasis offers more than cooking techniques. Peace prevails in Cascina Rosa. In the courtyard, admire aromatic hedges. Discover ancient fruit trees. The synergistic garden is cultivated by volunteers. This cultivation technique uses synergies. It combines the organic properties of the soil with the existing microfauna.
Cascina Rosa represents a typical large farm. It shows the building traditions of the lower Padana plain. It is one of the few examples of rural architecture. It survives near Milan’s center. It features two courtyards with distinct functions. The civil court was the administrative center. It included the manor house, oven, dairy and carriage house. The rustic court housed rural functions. These included the large stable, barns, warehouses and workers’ houses.
Interesting architectural elements marked the granaries and stable. The granaries had brick sail vaults. The stable featured a barrel vault with lunettes. Exposed or plastered brick characterizes Cascina Rosa’s facades. This building material is common in the lower Padana plain.
Historical records indicate the name Cassina Ferrarium. The Ordogno di Rosales family acquired it in 1637-38. They were of Spanish origin. Then the complex became Cascina Rosa. From 1783 to 1858, under the Valaperta family, the farm took its current shape. In the 1855 Lombard-Veneto land registry, granaries were built. They were built in the civil court in 1834-36. The stable and portico were built in the rustic court.
During World War II, bombs damaged Cascina Rosa. The east wing of the stable was destroyed. It was never rebuilt. After the war, agricultural activities declined. This was due to economic changes in the city. Some buildings lost their original function. They became simple storage areas.
Until 1983, Cascina Rosa was still used as a rural building. In that year, the Municipality of Milan became the owner. Due to lack of maintenance, the buildings deteriorated.
In the autumn of 1989, North African immigrants occupied Cascina Rosa. In a few months, about 500 people were living there. The occupation lasted just over a year. When they were evicted on September 26, 1990, the complex was badly damaged. The manor house’s structural condition seemed compromised.
Today, Cascina Rosa stands as a testament to resilience. It is a blend of history, agriculture, research, and community. It offers a unique experience in Milan. It provides a space where food, health, and tradition intertwine.