Naviglio Grande & the Canals of Milan, Italy

07/11/2026

The Naviglio Grande is the oldest and most important of the Navigli, the historic canals of Milan. Work on it started in 1177, and by 1272 boats could travel on it all the way to the city. The canal is about 50 km long and brings water from the Ticino River to the Darsena, the old harbour of Milan. For centuries it was used to water the fields and to carry goods. The white marble for Milan Cathedral also came to the city by boat on this canal. In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci studied the locks of the Milan canals. Most of the canals in the city centre were later covered over, but the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese are still open. Today the area around them, called the Navigli district, is one of the most popular places in Milan.

What to See

Start at the Darsena, the large water basin where the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese meet. It was renovated in 2015 and is now a nice place for a walk along the water. From here, walk along the Alzaia Naviglio Grande, the old towpath next to the canal. You will see colourful old houses, small bridges, art galleries, vintage shops and many bars and restaurants. Look for the Vicolo dei Lavandai, a small lane where women once washed clothes in the canal water on stone washboards. A little further on stands the church of San Cristoforo sul Naviglio. On the last Sunday of each month there is a big antiques market along the canal. In the evening the Navigli are famous for the aperitivo, when locals meet for a drink and snacks by the water.

How to Get There and Practical Information

The Navigli district is south-west of the city centre. The easiest way to get there is metro line M2 to Porta Genova station, which is a few minutes’ walk from the Naviglio Grande. Trams also run to Porta Ticinese and the Darsena. Walking along the canals is free and possible at any time. From spring to autumn you can take a boat tour on the canals; boats leave from Alzaia Naviglio Grande near the Darsena, and the trip takes about one hour. The area is quiet in the morning and very busy in the evening and at weekends. If you like cycling, a bike path follows the Naviglio Grande out of the city into the countryside.