Peeking out from the trees along Via Chiesa Rossa, the Cascina Chiesa reveals its secrets. This rural structure stands as an example of Milan’s agricultural past. Today, let’s delve into the history of Cascina Chiesa.
Cascina Chiesa is more than just a building. It is a complex. It includes the church of Santa Maria alla Fonte, also known as the Chiesa Rossa. The complex also features a canonica, a portico, and what once was a stable. Now the stable is a library. The old living quarters round out the five buildings. The site includes a large public park.
The name “ad Fonticulum” speaks to the area’s history. It means that it was once rich with springs and waterways. The oldest part of Cascina Chiesa is the church. Its construction spans from the 9th to the 10th centuries. The Romanesque style is evident. Later renovations added Renaissance touches, traces of which remain in the frescoes. The other buildings took shape between the 10th and 13th centuries.
In 988, the church appeared in a contract. It was between Archbishop Landolfo II and Judge Romedio di Angifredo. This document marks the first known mention of Santa Maria ad Fonticulum. The church was linked to San Giorgio al Palazzo. Over the centuries, the church saw many changes.
Around the 12th century, a Benedictine monastery was founded nearby. Later, in 1302, Augustinian nuns joined them. This merger was ordered by Pope Bonifacio VIII. The church has a single nave. Its apse is covered by a basin vault. The building reflects a design from the latter half of the 12th century. The simple facade has a single portal. Above it is a monofora. Traces of a 15th-century fresco are visible above the window.
Inside, the church once had frescoes commissioned by Abbess Maria De Robacarri. Her tombstone dates back to 1333. The interior features a single nave with three altars. Excavations uncovered even older history. These digs revealed a tomb from the 2nd century AD. They also found parts of a black and white mosaic floor. Structures from a 6th-century early Christian building were also found.
The Naviglio Pavese canal caused problems. Built between 1601 and 1611, it led to water infiltration. By 1783, the church was half-buried. Engineer P. Castelli designed a drastic solution. The church was divided horizontally. The lower part became a storage area. The upper part, accessed from the street, served as a small oratory.
In 1960, the City of Milan acquired the complex. Restorations occurred in 1964-1966. Further work took place from 2000 to 2009. A citizen committee formed in 1988 pushed for these efforts. Since 2009, the complex has been open to the public.
Cascina Chiesa has transformed over time. It has moved from a religious site to an agricultural hub. Today, it is a public space. The complex tells a story of rural life. It reminds us of the historical roots of Milan. Now, a library occupies the former stable. The surrounding park invites visitors. Cascina Chiesa welcomes everyone to explore its rich heritage.