Navigating the Navigli: Boat Tour of the Docks

The Navigli: the great navigation system

Many people know that the first navigational section of the Navigli dates back to the second half of the 12th century, and that the construction of this system of transporting goods and commodities, linking the Lake Como and Lake Maggiore areas with the city, was fundamental to the life of the city for centuries: suffice it to say that it was on the very waters of the Naviglio Grande that the marbles that still decorate Milan Cathedral arrived, transported from the quarries of Candoglia on Lake Maggiore. But few perhaps know about other aspects of this still fascinating water network. The system of locks in the Navigli was implemented by the ingenuity of Leonardo Da Vinci, who, commissioned by Ludovico Il Moro to allow navigation from Lake Como to Milan, found innovative solutions to solve the problem of the unevenness of the land. Again, in 1805 it was Napoleon who completed the construction of the Naviglio Pavese to allow the city to be linked with the sea.
In this important system of locks, we come across the Conchetta on the Naviglio Pavese, the first and smallest of the fourteen locks encountered along the Naviglio from Milan to Pavia, as well as one of the oldest still in operation today. Like all the others, this Conchetta also consists of two parallel canals: the first essential to ensure a flow of water necessary for irrigation, the second consisting of a basin for the ascent and descent of boats. All the history and interesting facts about this incredible system will be told to you by our guide on this guided tour of the Navigli!

A boat tour on the Navigli to discover the city’s history

The Navigli itinerary conducted by professional guides consists of a walking tour among the places that most tell the city’s history, in the Porta Ticinese district, and a boat tour that retraces that ancient transportation route to discover the most picturesque and secret corners of Milan’s canals. This route represented an excellent method of transportation, which was abandoned only in the mid-19th century due to competition from the railways, and which was traveled over the years by the great protagonists of the city’s history…
Sailing on the Navigli in Milan and being lulled by an atmosphere of nostalgic history and gentle waves is a unique experience, let our guides tell you all the anecdotes related to the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio and how the Apostle Barnabas baptized the first Christians here. Or how in the charming Vicolo dei Lavandai the Milanese washed clothes in the flowing Naviglio. A guided tour available, except during dry periods, all year round: whether spring or winter, the Navigli boat tour in Milan retains unique features that will introduce you to another side of Milan, the more poignant and romantic one.