Milan’s Navigli, A Very Charming Neighborhood
The Navigli is not only a very charming Milanese neighborhood, it is also one of the most fashionable, both during the day and at night. That is, if you are thinking of taking a trip to Milan soon, sign up the name of Navigli , because it is an area that you cannot miss.
The Navigli of Milan or old navigable canals
The Navigli of Milan are the only remains of the old network of canals that reached the very center of the capital of Lombardy. Some channels that served to supply water to the population and also to carry out all kinds of transport. Among them, the large stones with which the Milanese Duomo was built.
Those canals originated in the 12th century. Its construction lasted for decades and up to 90 navigable kilometers were excavated. However, going through them was complicated.
The Navigli and Leonardo
The correct functioning of these channels was achieved thanks to Leonardo da Vinci. A genius capable of painting the Mona Lisa or designing an extraordinary system of dikes and dams to regulate these channels.
Today those sketches and designs made by Da Vinci can be seen in the Navigli Museum itself in Milan. A visit, which, of course, you should not miss and which is most interesting.
What to see in the Navigli
Despite the usefulness of the canals for centuries, the entire aquatic network was emptied and covered for hygiene reasons in the 20th century.
And currently there are only two left in this area of Milan. They are the Naviglio Grande, the oldest. And the Naviglio Pavese, already from the 14th century. Both have their many charms:
The attractions of the Naviglio Grande
Of the two Navigli in Milan, in the Grande one the presence of the church of San Cristoforo stands out, which practically has its facade over the canal itself. An image that is one of the most typical of the Lombard city.
And another of the highlights of the Naviglio Grande is the Callejón de las Lavanderas. Or rather, it should be said of the laundries, since they went to wash their clothes and this was a task that was once reserved for men.
The attractions of the Naviglio Pavese
By its name, you can already imagine that this is the smallest of the canals in the Navigli district of Milan. However, that does not mean that it is not of interest, since on its waters the size of the boats that sailed here is still more impressive.
And furthermore, from the Naviglio Pavese you can take a walk to the monumental Ticino Arch and also to the Basilica of Saint Eustorgio. A temple in which for a time was what was considered the tomb of the Magi.
The visit to the Navigli
The Navigli are somewhat far from the center of Milan, more than 5 kilometers. For this reason, it is advisable to opt for public transport to reach them. And the truth is that it can be done in several ways. Both by metro with line 2, as by tram with line 9 or with bus number 2.
The Navigli at night
The picture of the Navigli during the day is most photogenic, and it is a site not to be missed during a city break. But if you have to visit them during the day, you also have to do it at night, since it is one of the most fashionable leisure areas in the Lombard capital.
Both the Naviglio Grande and the Pavese have a wide range of places to dine and have a drink afterwards. Of course, if you are looking for a more elegant atmosphere, you have to go to the Naviglio Grande, since the premises and terraces of the Pavese are frequented by a more youthful, almost adolescent clientele.
