Step into the Biblioteca Comunale Cassina Anna, and you’ll be transported back in time. This library is housed in a charming historical building that was once a thriving farmhouse. In the 19th century, the Duke Guido Visconti di Modrone and his wife, Duchess Ida, lived in this beautiful estate, which was surrounded by lush green fields. The Duke was a proud owner, and his family had owned the property for centuries. They were a prestigious family in Milan with a long history of contributions to the city’s culture and development. His wife, Ida, was famous for being a passionate gardener and was known for cultivating vibrant flowers and medicinal herbs, attracting bees and butterflies to her garden. The farmhouse was a place where the Duke, Duchess, and their children enjoyed peaceful evenings and celebrations with friends and family.
The farm eventually came to be known as Cassina Anna, named after the Duke’s youngest daughter. The Duke was a visionary, who foresaw the changing needs of the city. He believed in the transformative power of knowledge and so he decided to donate the farmhouse to the community so that it could be used for educational purposes. Now, the Biblioteca Comunale Cassina Anna is a bustling hub of learning for the community, especially for young people.