Why do we absolutely recommend a tour of Milan’s Navigli if you are not yet familiar with them?
With its Darsena at the center of the city’s nightlife, Milan’s Navigli and the Ticinese district are a true symbol for the Ambrosian capital, beloved by all for its characteristic corners that show Old Milan as frozen in an eternal moment, but also for the variety of activities that can be done there.
Along this ancient system of canals, some of which date back many centuries and were designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself, there are truly diverse and unique experiences that immerse us in Milanese tradition and history by sailing on the water of Milan’s Navigli to observe the city from a new point of view, getting lost in hidden alleys and courtyards or discovering the younger and more modern side of the neighborhood dominated by Street Art works.
NEIADE Tours & Events will take you on a discovery of this picturesque neighborhood: here are guided tours designed especially for exploring the Navigli area!
Navigating the Navigli of Milan: Tour of the Darsena by Boat
The Naviglio Grande is the oldest of them all and seems to date back even to 1177, and by the next century, as work was completed, it became navigable. Used as the main traffic and trade route, the Navigli are undisputed protagonists of Milanese history, so much so that they were also used to transport marble blocks from the Candoglia quarries for the construction of the Duomo. Today we return to these waterways with a tour aboard brand new boats that allow us to observe Milan from an exceptional vantage point, revealing never-before-seen glimpses of the city.
As we board the boat, we will depart from the Dock and be gently lulled along their course while admiring the surrounding landscape.
On the Navigli among the courtyards and railing houses of Old Milan.
Starting with the characteristic Vicolo dei Lavandai, there are many secret places to discover on a tour of the Ticinese and Navigli neighborhood: at the Vicolo dei Lavandai there is definitely an atmosphere of yesteryear, a far cry from the one that pervades the streets with soaring contemporary skyscrapers. Milan’s ancient courtyards, in fact, show themselves in their charm all along the Naviglio Grande, such as the one called “Cortile degli Artisti,” where you can discover local crafts and art, as well as at the Centro dell’Incisione. Continuing along the banks of the Naviglio, one will also come across the “Stone Bridge” recently dedicated to the poetess Alda Merini.
With this walking tour of one of the city’s most picturesque and famous neighborhoods, we plunge into the heart of Old Milan, amid traditions and curiosities that will take us back in time.
Street Art Tour, Navigli and Ticinese district
The Navigli, however, are not only witnesses of the Milanese tradition…. In recent years they are the real protagonists of the spread of Street Art, that artistic expression that does not live on the most common canvases, but spreads on the walls of buildings, on doorways or bridges. What until not too long ago was considered a form of vandalism, is now increasingly becoming the favorite tool to combat urban decay, telling stories, remembering the greats of Milan or sending messages.
On the Navigli, street artists have found some of the most fertile soil, so much so that the murals have become truly identifying with this neighborhood, and a walking tour trying to unearth the most beautiful and significant ones becomes a unique opportunity to get to know these streets.
Surrealism exhibition at MUDEC
Not far from the Navigli, in the Via Tortona area, until July 30, 2023, MUDEC is hosting an exhibition entitled. Dali, Magritte, Man Ray and Surrealism – Masterpieces from the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum.. An exhibition of no less than 180 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and other artifacts, recounts the fascinating facets of the Surrealist universe by addressing themes such as dream, love, death, fear and the unconscious. In six sections, a comprehensive and captivating overview of one of the most important artistic movements of the last century is offered, and a guided tour of the exhibition is an opportunity not to be missed in Milan’s exhibition schedule.
The Navigli between Art, Fashion and Good Food
Art lovers are spoiled for choice: concentrated in the same area, they quickly move on from the exhibitions at the MUDEC – Museum of Cultures to Armani Silos while also touching on BASE Milan, a creative and experimental hub.
Tucked away in the alleys overlooking the canals, to immerse ourselves in the most authentic and poetic soul of the Navigli, we can’t help but also visit the Centro dell’Incisione or Spazio Alda Merini, the house-museum in honor of the Navigli poetess par excellence.
It is also impossible to leave out the gastronomic scene. In addition to offering food from every corner of the world with the Mercato Comunale Coperto, the Navigli is also famous for the many places to enjoy the fantastic Milanese aperitivo, better known as apericena.
What do you say, are you ready for a tour of Milan’s waterways?
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