Naviglio Grande
Milan, Italy
The oldest navigable artificial canal in Europe, dug in the 12th century, it was used to transport marble for the cathedral.
The Naviglio Grande canal in Milan, completed in the 12th century, is the oldest navigable artificial canal in Europe. For centuries, it was used to transport marble for the construction of the Duomo Cathedral. Today, along its banks, there are numerous art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants housed in historic buildings. The Navigli canal system, of which Naviglio Grande is a part, has a total length of approximately 150 kilometers. A walk along the canal allows visitors to explore the local architecture and cultural offerings. It is a place of historical and recreational significance.
- Visit time: 1 h 30 min
What to look for
- Darsena di Milano: a historic port, a center of social and gastronomic life.
- Church of San Cristoforo sul Naviglio: a historic 12th-century church, located directly on the canal.
- Viccolo dei Lavandai: a charming street with former laundries, a testament to old life along the canal.
Before you go
- Best time: Afternoon or evening
- Crowds: Weekend evenings are the most crowded.
- Note: No specific restrictions, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Good to know
- Leonardo da Vinci contributed to the development of the Navigli system, designing locks and improvements that enhanced the navigability of the canals in the 15th century.
Sources: pl.wikipedia.org, turismo.milano.it
How long does it take to visit Naviglio Grande?
Plan about 1 h 30 min.
Nearby
- Church of San Cristoforo sul Naviglio — 240 m
- MUDEC - Museum of Cultures — 600 m
- Armani/Silos — 760 m
- Oratory of San Protaso al Lorenteggio — 990 m
- Rita & Cocktails — 1 km
- Osteria da Fortunata Milano — 1.1 km
Things to do in Milan — all places with visit times
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