Is this where Casanova once roamed? Here at the Cassina de’ Pomm, history practically seeps from the ancient stones. This isn’t just another pretty farmhouse in Milan. Cassina de’ Pomm, or “apple farmhouse,” whispers tales of centuries past.
Imagine, if you will, the 15th century. Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, had a vision of vast orchards. The Cassina de’ Pomm, born from this vision, became a coveted retreat for Milan’s elite. The Marino family, known for their exquisite taste, were the first to claim this idyllic escape. Later, it passed into the hands of the De Leyva family. One can’t help but wonder if the tragic Marianna de Leyva, who inspired Manzoni’s “The Betrothed,” ever sought solace within these walls.
But the Cassina de’ Pomm’s story isn’t confined to nobility. It served as a bustling inn, a vital point for exchanging horses along the Naviglio della Martesana canal. Think of it – literary giants like Stendhal and Casanova, even the legendary Napoleon himself, graced this very spot. Their words immortalized the Cassina de’ Pomm, painting a vivid picture of its allure in a bygone era.
Over time, the Cassina de’ Pomm transformed once more, evolving into a fashionable restaurant. This was the Milan of the roaring seventies, a magnet for politicians and celebrities drawn to its rustic charm. Today, it stands as a testament to time’s passage – a place where history lingers in every brick and beam.