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Navigating the Navigli is one of the most authentic and proper way to get to know the real city of Milan. The Milanese waterways have existed since Roman times and have always played a fundamental role in the history and economy of the city - this itinerary allows to discover the secrets of this fascinating neighborhood up close. The canals, also called Leonardo's Navigli, due to the work that Leonardo Da Vinci have put into it by designing the dam system. The boat ride on the Navigli is a must among the things to do in Milan.
The tour starts on the Naviglio Grande where you will see the typical houses that historically made the working class districts of Milan, the “case di Ringhiera”. You cruise will continue one of the oldest churches in the city: the Church of San Cristoforo, whose construction began in the 13th century and it now the favourite church for wedding celebrations In the city.
Proceeding by boat along the Naviglio Grande you will come across the historic headquarters of Canottieri Milano Olona, the first rowing team in the city and the famous Vicolo dei Lavandai, an architectural jewel that takes its name from the Confraternity of the Launderers. Since the 18th century this guild was in charge of washing the linen of wealthy families, these they were collected in panniers and carried on the shoulders in the alley up to the iconic washhouse still existing today.
Crossing the Scodellino bridge, you reach the modern and famous Darsena, an area of entertainment and recreation on the water, characterized by the presence of bars, restaurants and clubs – still today one of the main centers of Milanese nightlife.
Leaving the Darsena, continuing to navigate the Naviglio Pavese and crossing the Trophy bridge, you can see the alley of cheese makers where the delicious Marscarpone cheese is said to have been invented. And finally you will come the to the Conchetta, the first of the 14 navigation basins that connects Milan and Pavia. Designed by Leonardo da Vinci is still operational five century after its construction.
The navigation on the Navigli ends at the starting jetty, on the Naviglio Grande.
Did you know that …?
There are several curiosities that can be found on the canals, here are some of them:
1) The transport of the marbles that still decorate the Milan Cathedral today, coming from the Candoglia quarries on Lake Maggiore, took place through the Naviglio Grande.
2) In 1805 Napoleon completed the construction of the Naviglio Pavese to connect “Milan with the sea”.
3) Navigation on the canal was an excellent method of transport, abandoned only in the first half of the nineteenth century due to competition from the railways.
4) On the Navigli one of the greatest Italian women of the 20th century, Alda Merini, was born and lived her life so emotionally attached to the canals that it inspired her astonishing work writings.
Milan Public Transportation by Zani Viaggi Srl – Largo Cairoli, 18 – 20121 Milano (Italy) P.IVA 02594070167
Arriving by plane? Simplify the organization of your trip to Milan! Together with your Milan Pass, purchase the tickets to Malpensa Express train or Bergamo-Orio al Serio airport shuttle bus.
Feel the history of football with a visit to the San Siro Stadium and its museum: discover the historic Meazza, home of two of the greats of Italian football, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
The favourite way to enjoy the city by thousands of visitors: the ride on the iconic open-top buses will let you discover the unmissable places of Milan in complete comfort, with the possibility of getting off to explore your favourite spots.
Discover Milan from a new point of view, through its canals, to the design of which Leonardo da Vinci also contributed. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Navigli and Darsena, with multilingual commentary.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city with a special discount to access the iconic La Scala Opera House, on a fascinating guided tour, and the most important museums in Milan.
Guided tours, day trips and short excursions outside the city: with your Milan Pass Light you are entitled to an exclusive discount to participate in all Zani Viaggi’s proposals to discover Milan and its surroundings.
Get lost in the streets of the city centre, along the cobbled alleys, but always find your way with our maps, both in interactive digital and paper versions: the fundamental tools for experiencing the city!
Listen to the city history in a new and immersive way, with our audio guide: over 20 hours of audio content to discover history, places of interest and anecdotes of this incredible metropolis.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Milanese nightlife that animates the Navigli district: with your Milan Pass Light a glass of Prosecco awaits you at the After Pier, one of the coolest places on the Alzaia Naviglio Grande.