Curious about how a 14th-century farmhouse became a modern library? Right here stands Biblioteca comunale di Milano 2. It is also known as Cascina Ovi. This place is a testament to Segrate’s rich history. It blends seamlessly with contemporary life.
Cascina Ovi’s story stretches back to 1346. That is the first documented mention of it. It appeared in the Statuti delle strade e delle acque del contado di Milano. These statutes dealt with roads and water management.
The powerful Archbishop Giovanni Visconti acquired Cascina Ovi. He later bequeathed it to the Ospedale del Brolo in 1353. The Scuola delle Quattro Marie managed it then. By 1417, Cascina Ovi was deserted. The Ospedale del Brolo sought caretakers. The Oroboni brothers took on the task. They renovated it. However they soon relinquished it to the Scuola delle Quattro Marie. Around the 1530s, Gian Fermo Trivulzio gained ownership. He owned the castle and Melzo too.
In 1569, a map for Carlo Borromeo’s pastoral visit depicted Cascina Ovi. It showed a brick building with a tower and flag. Adjacent to Cascina Ovi stands the Oratorio del Santissimo Crocifisso. It features frescoes from the 1400s and 1600s.
Interestingly, there were once two Cascina Ovi estates. There was a Cascina Ovi Superiore and a Cascina Ovi Inferiore. A subterranean tunnel connected them. Cascina Ovi Superiore suffered extensive damage during the Second World War in 1942. It was later demolished to make way for a residence in Milano 2.
Today, the Cascina Ovi Inferiore is under the protection of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. Inside, you will find the Museo M.OVI. It features a library, a multimedia room, and a conference hall. You will also find a restaurant.
Look closely at the exterior wall along Via Olgia. You may spot an ancient pink marble fragment. It depicts a lion’s paw. Giuseppe Grossi spearheaded Cascina Ovi’s restoration. He transformed it into a symbol of Segrate. The renovation respected the original architecture. It allowed the building to house the library you see today.