City on the water – Milan. Milan canals. Navigli
One of the most romantic places in Milan is the famous Navigli canals. “City on water” was the name given to the capital of Lombardy a hundred years ago. Unfortunately, much has changed since then. But you can still find peace and Italian flavour in the old canalside courtyards.
Milan’s fame and grandeur are linked to the canals. At one time they were trade routes linking northern and southern Europe. Leonardo da Vinci realises their importance and refers to them repeatedly in his works. For several years now, this place has been favoured by artists, with the most famous designers’ studios hidden in the alleyways and the trendiest cafés here.
To date, only three canals have survived in Milan: the Naviglio Pavese and Naviglio Grande in the south-west of the city, and the Naviglio della Martesana in its north-eastern part. Together with the 750-metre-long Darcena basin, which was a medieval river port, they form the core of the Navigli area.
You can take a trip on a public boat (takes about an hour), tickets must be purchased in advance. Cocktails and mini snacks are available.
There are no private ships on the Canal.
