Traces of the Duchy of Milan

A few steps from the castle stands The Cusago Mill, which was built in the 15th century following a donation of land and water rights by Ludovico il Moro to Antonio Magiono to supply the Visconti Castle and the village of Cusago with flour.

Back in time, the mill was a vital place for every settlement or village. Thanks to the mill mechanism, wheat could be ground and flour produced, a fundamental element of the diet of the time.

He, who owned the mill business, played an important role and was often a highly regarded and wealthy figure.

Active until the 1970s, when it was abandoned, the mill came under the protection of the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano (Southern Milan Agricultural Park), which still safeguards the agricultural territory, fauna, flora and natural places, as well as enhances its historical and architectural heritage. In 2012, the old mill was completely restored to create a modern and eco-sustainable accommodation facility. From the Mulino Grande starts the historic road that connects Cusago to the municipality of Cisliano. Along this route, it is still possible to see what remains of the great forest of Cusago, much loved by the Dukes of Milan because it was wonderfully rich in game. It was here that the Dukes, their family and the court in their retinue could amuse themselves by indulging in the esteemed art of hunting. Today, the forest is part of the Natura 2000 Network established by the European Union as a Site of Community Interest.