“Ghibelline merlons? In Milan?”
Welcome to Cascina Castello dei Roldi. This isn’t your typical Milanese scene. This agricultural estate holds secrets spanning centuries. It shows a blend of rural life and historical intrigue.
Cascina Castello dei Roldi dates back to the 13th or 14th century. It stands as a testament to Lombardy’s agricultural heritage. Its layout is a closed court, built on four sides. Notice the traditional building materials. They include brick perimeter walls, wooden floors, and tiled roofs.
The “Castello” itself is the most striking feature. It is a three-story building. Look at the four-bay portico facing the courtyard. See the white granite columns. Admire the sculpted capitals. The Ghibelline merlons at the top were likely added in the 19th century.
This complex features several key structures. There is the Chiesa dell’Immacolata. It is a church with a simple facade. Observe the altered upper section. What stories could those changes tell? Then are the farmhouses. They are arranged in a row of ten units. Each has its own entrance. The stables line the south side of the courtyard. They feature brickwork and vaulted ceilings.
Cascina Castello dei Roldi is still an active farm, primarily growing cereals. Documents mention it as far back as the 1400s. The buildings retain their original structure. The farm is near the Sorgenti della Muzzetta. The property is easily accessible by foot or bike from the Strada del Duca.
Inside the Castello, find the Centro Etnografico. It is also called the Historical-Agricultural Center of Arts and Peasant Traditions. Discover tools and artifacts related to peasant life. It illustrates rural life in the Bassa Lombarda. The displays include bedrooms and kitchens. See collections of children’s games and school mementos. Explore tools used for harvesting and horse equipment.
The church features sacred art. The sacristy serves as the Punto Parco information point.
Cascina Castello dei Roldi offers a glimpse into Lombardy’s past. It shows how agriculture and history intertwine. The owner plans to make it more accessible. He wants to preserve its historical and architectural value. This is a place where the past comes alive.