Navigli

The Navigli are a system of interconnected canals in and around Milan, Italy. Originally designed for irrigation and defense, they later became crucial for the transport of goods and passengers. The system primarily connects Milan with the rivers Ticino and Adda, and thus with Lake Maggiore and Lake Como.

Historically, the Navigli played a vital role in the city's economic and urban development. The construction began in the 12th century and continued over several centuries. Leonardo da Vinci, during his time in Milan, contributed to the engineering and design of the canal system, improving the system of locks. The Navigli enabled the transportation of materials, including marble from Candoglia used for the construction of the Duomo di Milano.

Today, the Navigli area is a popular district known for its nightlife, restaurants, artist studios, and antique shops. While no longer used for heavy transport, the canals remain a defining feature of Milan and a significant tourist attraction. The Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are the two main canals that remain largely visible. Remnants of the Martesana canal also exist. The canals are sometimes used for recreational boating.