Friday September 5th (Week #4) - Well today we started out heading to the canals. Then we head by tram 🚋 subway 🚇 to Leonardo museum
Did You Know? - The Canals of Milan, known as the Navigli, are a historic system of artificial waterways in southwestern Milan, originally built in the Middle Ages for commercial transport and connecting the city to rivers and lakes. While most were covered over, the Navigli Grande and Naviglio Pavese remain, forming a vibrant neighborhood filled with trendy bars, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and an antique market on the last Sunday of the month. The area is a popular destination for enjoying an aperitivo, exploring charming streets, and experiencing the blend of history and modern Milanese culture.
What are the Navigli?
Historic Waterways: A network of interconnected canals built for trade and access to water.
Leonardo da Vinci's Influence: Leonardo da Vinci was involved in their planning and design, a project commissioned by the Duke of Milan to improve navigation.
Surviving Canals: Today, the main navigable parts are the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese, which meet at the Darsena, an old port basin.
What is the Navigli District?
A Revitalized Neighborhood: The Navigli area has transformed from a working-class district into a thriving cultural and nightlife hub. Vibrant Atmosphere:
The district is known for its lively atmosphere, with numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops lining the canals.
Art and Design:
It has become a popular spot for artists and designers, featuring art galleries and vintage stores. Things to Do in the Navigli District
Enjoy the Aperitivo: Experience the trendiest aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) scene in Milan along the canals.
Explore the Markets: Visit the popular antique and flea market held on the last Sunday of every month.
Stroll and Dine: Take a picturesque walk along the canal banks and enjoy the charming cafes and restaurants.
Discover Art: Browse the many art galleries and studios showcasing local artists and handmade crafts.
Visit the Darsena: Explore the historic port area, now an urban lagoon with cafes, local businesses, and recreational activities.
Milan: Italy's lost city of canals Feb 9, 2021 BBC Navigli - Wikipedia The navigli (Italian pronunciation: [naˈviʎʎi]; Lombard: Navili [naˈʋiːli], singular and plural) are a system of interconnected ca... Wikipedia Canals in Milan: 5 Fun Facts About the Navigli - Walks of Italy Apr 27, 2020 — The canals are no longer used for shipping, but you may see some tour boats floating by for sightseeing tours in the ... Walks of Italy Show all
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Did You Know? - In the neighborhood Porta Genova, the most artistic side of the city, during the Middle Ages, a network of canals called Navigli was made. Nowadays, it's still an iconic place in the city and a must-see one. However, when you stroll along the network of canals, you should pay attention to the little bridges and, above all, to one of them, Ponte Alda Merini.
This beautiful bridge, where the lovers stick the locks on the grid with the initials of their names, was named in memory of one of the most important poets of Milano of the 1900s, who lived just in front of it. Her house, which nowadays is a foundation named after her, is just next to it. Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always there wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go to see and meet her in that district.
See the locks???
Then we head by tram 🚋 subway 🚇 to Leonardo museum.
Then head back to the hotel to meet our tour guide for the bus tour. Except we realized we were at the wrong hotel. We had to pack up quickly and go to the hotel the tour booked. Luckily it was 2 blocks away.
Bar Area - Picture of NYX Hotel Milan