Picture this. A sun-drenched courtyard. The Cascina Paradiso stands before you. Its history stretches back to 1465. Johannes de Braschis owned it then. The Cascina Paradiso was more than just a farmhouse. It was a working farm with a watermill.
The name Paradiso hints at paradise. It likely refers to the nearby Sant’Agnese water channel. This channel powered the mill. The Cascina Paradiso’s alternative name Braschetta stems from its first owner’s surname. The mill wheel harnessed the water’s power. This generated energy for the farm.
Over centuries the Cascina Paradiso saw many owners. The Visconti di Modrone family owned it for a long time. Their ownership lasted from the late 17th century until 1802. Giuseppe Scafi owned the Cascina Paradiso in 1887. Luigi Villa lived there in 1940. He was a farmer.
The Cascina Paradiso transformed in 1900. It became a working farm with cattle. The mill continued to operate. In the 1960s it produced electricity. This powered the farm and the farmhouse. Nowadays the Cascina Paradiso is mainly residential. It also houses some cattle and horses. Some of the old farm equipment remains. It’s been restored and displayed in the courtyard.
The Cascina Paradiso features a courtyard layout. This is irregular. Several newer buildings surround the central courtyard. There are stables sheds and barns. The oldest part of the Cascina Paradiso is the main building. It’s recently been renovated. This building housed the mill. The main building is brick. The outside facing the courtyard is visible brick. The side facing the countryside is plastered. It’s a two-story structure with a loft. There’s an exterior covered staircase and a wooden balcony. Notice the external chimney on the courtyard side.
The Cascina Paradiso’s story is a testament to Milan’s rural past. It’s a living reminder of agricultural life. It is a place where history agriculture and modern life intertwine. Its continued existence is a testament to its enduring charm. The Cascina Paradiso continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and adaptation.