Wonder why the Quartiere INA Casa Baggio I is so special? It’s more than just a residential area. It’s a slice of Milanese history. Let’s uncover its story.
The Quartiere INA Casa Baggio I is located in Baggio. Baggio was once an independent comune. It became part of Milan in 1923. This area has seen centuries of change.
Baggio’s origins are debated. Some say the name comes from a Roman military tower Badalocum. Others believe it’s from Badia Aggeris referring to an abbey. Whatever the true origin, Baggio has deep roots.
In Roman times, Baggio was a strategic point. A watchtower controlled the road to Novara. This elevated spot was named Baggio in the Middle Ages. Barbarian invasions destroyed the original settlement.
A noble man Tazone refounded Baggio in 881. He built a church dedicated to Saint Apollinaris. It had a Lombard-Gothic clocktower. Baggio became a fortified rural community during Longobard rule. It even gave refuge to Milanese people after Frederick I Barbarossa’s invasion in 1162.
The Baggio family played a significant role. Anselmo da Baggio even became Pope Alexander II. For centuries, Baggio remained largely independent.
Agriculture was the main economic activity. Later, Baggio specialized in sericulture and textile production. By the late 19th century, nearby towns were annexed to Baggio. Textile factories emerged. The population grew quickly. Many residents worked in Milan.
The Baggina tramway connected Baggio to Milan in 1913. This eased commuting. In 1923, Baggio was annexed to Milan.
Interestingly, a Milanese idiom mentions Baggio. Va a Bagg a sonà l’òrghen means go play the organ in Baggio. It’s like saying get lost. The church in Baggio supposedly had an organ painting because it was too poor to buy one.
Today, the Quartiere INA Casa Baggio I stands near Via delle Forze Armate. Parco delle Cave, one of Milan’s largest parks, is nearby. Although urbanized, Baggio still has rural areas and traditional farmhouses.
There was a time when Baggio was considered degraded with high crime rates. But the development of Parco delle Cave improved its reputation.
Notable landmarks in Baggio include Cascina Linterno. It is said to be Francesco Petrarca’s country house. Several historical churches also call Baggio home. Among them are San Giovanni Bosco, Sant’Anselmo, San Pier Giuliano and Sant’Apollinare. The church of Sant’Apollinare boasts one of Europe’s tallest clocktowers.
The public library in Baggio is quite prestigious. The rapper Ghali was born and lives in Baggio.
So, remember Quartiere INA Casa Baggio I. It is not just buildings. It is a place with a rich past. Its story is woven into Milan’s history.