Barona: A Green and Historically Rich District in Milan's Southwestern Edge

Historical Development from Rural Roots to Urban Expansion

Barona is a neighborhood in the southwestern part of Milan, located within Municipio 6, which also includes Lorenteggio. Historically, Barona was a rural area characterized by agricultural land, cascine (traditional Lombard farmsteads), and open fields nourished by the city's irrigation network, including the Naviglio Grande canal. Up until the mid-20th century, the area remained largely agricultural and sparsely populated. Its transformation began in the post-war period, when Milan experienced rapid urban growth and Barona became a target for large-scale housing developments to accommodate the expanding population.

The name 'Barona' is thought to derive from a noble family or landholding entity in the region, and traces of this historical identity remain in the naming of streets and the preservation of several cascine. These farmhouses, some dating back centuries, are still scattered across the neighborhood, with many repurposed into cultural centers, residences, or community farms. The presence of these rural structures amidst urban buildings provides a visual record of Barona's historical trajectory from countryside to city.

Post-War Public Housing and Urban Form

Barona's modern identity is strongly shaped by the housing policies of the 1950s through the 1970s. During this time, the neighborhood saw the construction of extensive public housing developments to accommodate workers and migrants, primarily from southern Italy. Many of these residential complexes were built by ALER (Azienda Lombarda per l'Edilizia Residenziale), the regional public housing authority. These buildings, often high-rise towers or mid-rise blocks arranged around shared courtyards, aimed to create functional and affordable living conditions, though some later faced issues related to maintenance and infrastructure.

The architectural character of Barona reflects this era of mass urbanization, with uniform building types, broad roadways, and internal green spaces. Although some areas show signs of neglect, others have benefited from renovations and community-led beautification projects. Parks, sports fields, and pedestrian zones help break up the density of the built environment. Over the decades, Barona's social housing estates have become home to a diverse, multicultural population and have played a key role in shaping Milan's evolving urban identity.

Green Spaces and Environmental Regeneration

Barona is notable for its relative abundance of green spaces, especially for a densely populated urban area. Several parks, such as Parco Teramo and Parco Andrea Campagna, provide open areas for recreation, sports, and leisure. The area benefits from proximity to the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, a protected agricultural zone that borders parts of the neighborhood and acts as a buffer between urban development and the surrounding countryside. This green belt helps preserve biodiversity and offers residents access to natural landscapes within the city limits.

In addition to formal parks, Barona is home to several urban gardening and environmental initiatives. The Cascina Cantalupa and Cascina Monterobbio have been transformed into centers for ecological education and community agriculture. Projects like the community garden at via Ettore Ponti allow residents to cultivate vegetables, promote sustainability, and foster neighborhood solidarity. These initiatives have helped counterbalance the effects of industrialization and sprawl, reinforcing Barona's reputation as one of Milan's greener districts.

Education, Culture, and Social Infrastructure

Barona hosts a range of educational and cultural institutions that serve both local residents and the wider city. The IULM University (Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione) is located in the northeastern part of the neighborhood and specializes in communication, languages, and media studies. Its presence contributes to the cultural vitality of the area and attracts a student population. Nearby, the Base Milano and MUDEC (Museo delle Culture) in adjacent districts help foster artistic and intercultural exchange, and are easily accessible to Barona residents.

In addition to formal education, Barona has an active network of community centers, parishes, and youth clubs that provide essential services and support. Organizations such as Barrio's, a social center housed in a repurposed industrial space, host theater performances, film screenings, and civic workshops. The neighborhood also contains several public libraries and sports facilities, which play a central role in neighborhood life and help build social cohesion across diverse demographic groups.

Mobility and Access to the City

Barona is well-connected to the rest of Milan through an integrated system of public transportation. The M2 metro line runs along the eastern edge of the neighborhood, with stations such as Famagosta and Romolo offering access to both the metro and regional rail services. Several bus and tram lines serve the interior of the neighborhood, including tram line 2 and bus routes that connect Barona to southern and western districts as well as the city center. Dedicated cycling paths and pedestrian zones further support local mobility.

However, certain peripheral areas of Barona have faced challenges related to mobility and infrastructure gaps, especially where high-density housing meets industrial or commercial zones. Urban planners have worked to address these issues through improved traffic circulation, new pedestrian crossings, and the introduction of car-sharing and bike-sharing services. These developments aim to enhance connectivity while promoting environmentally sustainable transport.