Cascina Malpensa

Cascina Malpensa is a farm building from the 18th century located in Somma Lombardo within the Gradenasca heath area. The structure displays traditional Lombard courtyard design with a rectangular layout, central internal courtyard, and multiple rooms arranged around this open space.

This farm building was constructed in the 18th century as a traditional rural residence for agricultural families in the Lombardy region. In 1910, aviation pioneers conducted early flight experiments near this site, connecting the location to the birth of modern aviation.

The building represents traditional Lombard courtyard architecture with its rectangular structure, internal courtyard, and ninety rooms that accommodated 150 residents.

The building sits approximately 700 meters from Milan-Malpensa Airport and lies between two neighboring districts in the surrounding area. It has been converted into residential apartments and is not open for public visits, though it remains visible from nearby roads.

The name Malpensa derives from a Lombard dialect term referring to the acidic soil conditions that once plagued this area and prevented crops from growing well. This geological feature gave the location its distinctive name centuries before the airport development transformed the landscape.