Milan was a city of water. Would you believe it? Perhaps no one would say today, looking at its traffic congested streets and buildings that rise vertically up as if to touch the sky. There are five canals (in Italian “navigli”): “Bereguardo“, “Grande“, “Martesana“, “Paderno” e “Pavese” and their history is very old. Today the Navigli and Darsena district is full of educational and historical-cultural routes. But this is also a sort of new soul of Milan, trendy and nice. Today if you walk on the towpath of the “Naviglio Grande” you will encounter a bustling neighborhood and a bit ‘bohemian: there are many bars, restaurants, ethnic markets, trendy shops and a lot of tourists. So this corner of Milan has a unique atmosphere, very different from what you will find in the rest of Milan.

Your walk will take you to the “Darsena” (the ancient dock of Milan). The new dock is the point where the “Naviglio Pavese” ( the Canal of Pavia”) and the “Naviglio Grande” meet. Here in the ‘600 was organized a large port berthing of boats traveling along the canals of Milan, which remained active until the 60s of the last century. The “Darsena” (the dock) is located in “Porta Ticinese” and today it is a nice area to walk or eat an ice cream, a small lake in the center of the city, a witness of the water past of Milan. During the tour you’ll learn about the history of the canal from the 12th century, and how Leonardo da Vinci later improved the system of locks. Hear about the tradition of ancient trades and the people who lived along the waterways.

Cross the Triumph Bridge and walk along the Naviglio Pavese, passing picturesque alleys as you continue to the Naviglio Grande, Milan’s main canal. After reaching the canal you’ll walk with your guide until you come to Vicolo dei Lavandai, a corner that has been kept historically intact.