Overview
The Navigli designed one of the most poetic views of the city made even more attractive by the redevelopment of the Darsena in 2015, with the creation of a large navigable stretch of water, a spacious and sunny quay where people can stroll and relax.
Historically, the first of the Milanese canals is the Naviglio Grande, one of the greatest works of civil engineering from the Middle Ages in northern Italy: its waters are derived from the Ticino river north of Turbigo. The Naviglio Grande was started in the 12th century and completed by 1239 on a route of approximately 50 km. It was made navigable as early as 1272, and for centuries played a crucial role in commercial exchange not only between Milan and its immediate area, but also between Lombardy and Central Europe, via Lake Maggiore. In the city, the first section is travelled along the two towpaths: ripa di Porta Ticinese on the right bank, and alzaia Naviglio Grande on the left.
During the day, you walk along the towpaths, long stretches of which are pedestrianised, and savour the charms of old Milan, timeless Milan, which entrusts the reflections of low, railing houses, old wash-houses like the one in Vicolo dei Lavandai, antique shops, galleries and artists' studios to the canals. In the evening, people chat and have fun, listen to live music while bar tables populate the footpaths.
