Deep in the Pantigliate countryside sits a testament to agricultural history. We are standing before Cascina Crosina. This rural complex whispers stories from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Cascina Crosina isn’t just a building. It is a piece of living history. Imagine farmers working the land as they have for centuries.
The cascina is near the Sorgenti della Muzzetta. This area is known for its natural beauty. Other cascine dot the landscape. Cascina Roverbella lies to the northwest. Cascina Paradiso and Cascina Castello sit to the north in Settala.
Look around at the rectangular courtyard. It is enclosed on three sides. Notice the brickwork on the perimeter walls and pillars. These solid bricks have stood the test of time.
Stables and porticos feature putrelle ceilings. Vaults made of brick add to the rustic charm. Above us, roofs with wooden frames are covered in tiles. These details show traditional construction methods.
Let’s explore the different parts of Cascina Crosina. The north-west side holds the farmhand’s house. Attached are the farmhouses. These homes provided shelter for the families who worked the land.
On the west side, there’s a stable with a portico and barn. The cheese maker’s house is next to the cheese factory. Further along are the horse stable and barn. Each building played a vital role in the farm’s operations.
The large stable dominates the south-east side. It has been recently renovated. A modern shed stands on the south-west side. Nearby is a building with a granary and warehouses. Part of the farmhand’s house also extends along this side.
At the center of the courtyard is a quadrilateral concrete surface. This is the farmyard. It once bustled with activity.
Most of the buildings date back to the 1800s and early 1900s. They showcase traditional materials and building techniques. Look closely at the flat ceilings made of iron. Notice the small brick vaults and wooden ceilings. The brick walls rise, supporting the wooden roof structures.
Cascina Crosina has evolved. A map from the Catasto Teresiano shows the complex in the 1700s. Buildings were arranged around a courtyard open to the east. Another open courtyard stood to the south.
Around the mid-1800s, changes occurred. A new building closed the courtyard to the east. Some buildings on the other sides were partially demolished.
During the 20th century, the cascina expanded again. The south and east buildings were torn down. New rural and service buildings replaced them. They connected to the older west and north buildings.
Today, Cascina Crosina is a working farm. Historically, it has always been a place of residence and agricultural production. It remains privately owned.
Take a moment to appreciate Cascina Crosina. It stands as a reminder of agricultural life. The buildings tell a story of hard work. It is a story of community. Cascina Crosina is a valuable piece of Lombardy’s rural heritage.