Cascina Torchiera, Self-managed social center and infoshop in Musocco, Milan, Italy
Cascina Torchiera is a self-run social center and infoshop located in the Musocco neighborhood near the main cemetery, featuring an L-shaped building with two floors. The space contains several rooms designed for community gatherings and cultural activities.
The building originated in the 14th century as a farmhouse owned by the Garegnano Charterhouse and became municipal property of Milan in 1888. It later became a center for social activism after being occupied by community members seeking to create a public gathering space.
The place earned its nickname "Cascina Torchiera SenzAcqua" from a significant moment that shaped the community's identity. Visitors can observe how this name reflects the occupation and the struggles that followed.
The center regularly opens for communal meals and discussions about ongoing activities, making these gatherings the best times to visit and connect with people there. It helps to check in advance about current events, since the schedule varies depending on what projects the community is working on.
After activists occupied the space, the city administration cut off the water supply as a form of pressure, which led to the memorable name the community still uses today. This event reveals something about the ongoing relationship between the building and the authorities.
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