Building known as “Guardiano delle Acque” (Guardian of the Waters) at Abbiategrasso (MI)
Via Milano 29 Località Castelletto 20081 Abbiategrasso MI
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Redevelopment of the architectural compound known as “Guardiano delle Acque ” at Castelletto
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.
After the Giolittian Era (from 1901 to 1914) the Naviglio Grande fell into disuse and the compound was abandoned, having to face a gradual deterioration in its structural conditions.
Although the Guardiano delle Acque was used as a “centre of operations” , it comes up as private housing estate, a three storied villa with a wide backyard.
The simple façade does not show the characteristic decorations of the private estates, but only an orderly series of windows and a central gate.
The restoration and preservation works interested the collapsed parts and the safety operations required to prevent a worse blight.
The following operations were carried out: cleaning and removal of the ruins, remake of the collapsed roof, restoration of parts of roof still in good conditions, restoration of the drainpipe, remake of the collapsed slab floors, removal of some recently added parts in order to facilitate the future preservation of the building.
By Giorgio Mainini
