'600 - '700
From 1535 to 1713 Milan was occupied by the Spaniards: the status of “occupied territory” continued, with changing fortunes, after the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), and also with the Austrian occupation, until the Second Italian War of Independence, although with the short period of Napoleonic occupation. For this reason, Milan probably holds the Italian record for longest foreign occupation.
The restoration works we are presenting concern monuments built between the XVII and XVIII century up to the Napoleonic Era. During these years the town shows, in sync with the Western world, the distinguishing Baroque and Neoclassic features, often with local and original characteristics: a rich period of aesthetic and technical innovations regarding materials, construction techniques and new decorative setups.
A slow but gradual urban development, initially contained inside the town walls wanted by Charles V, participated to the development of the major works altready started at the end of the XVI century , like the Seminario Vescovile (the Bishopric Seminary), Brera Palace, the Collegio Elvetico (the Swiss School), and the continuation of other works such as the Duomo - Milan cathedral - always at the core of the architectural debate - the Cà Granda and the massive realization of hydraulic works aiming to complete and improve Navigli (Milan canal system) waterways. The town was filled with a constellation of new aristocratic buildings, such as Palazzo Litta, Palazzo Dugnani, and new churches like Sant’Alessandro, Santa Maria alla Porta, San Bernardino alle Ossa and San Vito al Pasquirolo.
In the late XVIII century, after a long period of peace and knowledgeable and steady administration, Milan was considered a farsighted town, driven by his economic and cultural growth. The heritage of this period can be seen in significant artworks such as, among others, the Rotonda della Besana, the Scala, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Cusani, Palazzo Clerici, Villa Belgiogioso, Palazzo Serbelloni, the Arena Civica and also the first public green areas among which we have to mention the important compound of Villa Reale in Monza.
Arch. Libero Corrieri
Commission for the Architectural and Landscape Heritage of Milan
Highlights
The construction of the building dates back to the 16th Century and it was originally the Camparo’s (guardian) home (i.e. the guardian of Naviglio, Milan canal).
It hosted also state offices, where officials such as the Waters Commissioner or the Waters Chief Constable managed their activities of inspection and command of the canal.
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The restoration of Cascina Cuccagna architectural complex is an example of the transformation of the rural areas within the wider town growth.
It was essential therefore, since the beginning, to take into consideration all phases of this transformation.
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Portions of roofings and of rainwater drainage system, as well as window gaskets, were reconstructed in order to avoid seepages. Works also interested humidity control in the lower parts of the walls and on frescoed surfaces where particularly damaged parts were reinforced.
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Built as a private dwelling on the border of the ancient medieval village of Cesano Maderno, south of Milan, the building is today part of a suburban landscape grown during the Industrial Era. When, in 1987, the building became a municipality property, it was in a state of abandon and decay.
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