Navigli

• by Ray Rapalo • Published: March 16, 2007

The Navigli consists of two main canals built centuries ago. The construction of the first navigable [trait] occurred in the 12th century. The first 50 kilometers were inaugurated in 1179; and that gave the birth to the Naviglio Grande, the central route for transporting the stones used to build the Duomo from Pavia to Milan. It was in 1482 when Leonardo Da Vinci, then new to Milan, was entrusted by Ludovico Il Moro the task of making navigation from the Como Lake to Milan possible. Leonardo drew up plans for a system of locks in order to get around the obstacle presented by uneven ground levels. Some of the drawings he made for the project are preserved in the Museum of Navigli, which you can easily visit after your walk through the Navigli.

The Naviglio Grande is a clear example of the richness that travelled and were exchanged on its waters in the past: you will see many luxury palaces, old farmsteads, boroughs, wrought iron bridges and churches of all periods and styles.

The Navigli is primarily a center of entertainment. A congregation of hundreds of bars, pubs, wineries, cafés, traditional restaurants and clubs are bustle most nights with Milanese night owls. While the Navigli is alive all year round, the area is especially lively in December when the area into a festive winter village. The summer is also a special time in The Navigli; all traffic is forbidden in the area and café tables are set literally in the middle of the street. Just beware of the famous Milano mosquitoes!

On the last Sunday of every month, excepting July, the Grand Antiques Market is set up here. More than 400 stands display their wares of antiques, bric-à-brac and other collector’s items. It’s a wonderful way to spend an hour browsing before heading over to any one of the many art galleries nearby, or sitting down over a plate of ossobuco or risotto at a traditional Trattoria.