{"id":7065,"date":"2017-05-23T09:00:44","date_gmt":"2017-05-23T13:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=7065"},"modified":"2021-08-24T10:21:19","modified_gmt":"2021-08-24T14:21:19","slug":"the-canals-of-milan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=7065","title":{"rendered":"The Canals of Milan"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved<\/i>.<\/p>\n

Everyone knows about the canals of Venice and Amsterdam. \u00a0But does anyone\u00a0know that Milan has canals too?<\/p>\n

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Most visitors to Milan tend to stay in the Duomo area. \u00a0Though a beautiful and energetic area, a little homework or just asking around, can point you in the right direction in finding Navigli district, an area lesser known to visitors.<\/p>\n

In the south of the city, the navigli were\u00a0a system of \u00a0five navigable and interconnected canals constructed in 1179 to connect Milan with the nearby lakes. \u00a0Naviglio Grande, Naviglio Pavese, Naviglio Martesana, Naviglio di Paderno and Naviglio Bereguardo were the waterways used\u00a0to transport goods to the city from nearby areas, including the marble used in the construction of Milan’s famed landmark, the Duomo.<\/p>\n

Today, only three of the canals exist…Naviglio di Paderno and Naviglio Bereguardo having been overlaid. \u00a0Though the canals are now mainly used for irrigation, two of the canals, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are used by tourist operators and you can see their boats motoring up and down the canals during the warmer months of the year.<\/p>\n

\"\"Riding\u00a0the metro late in the afternoon, I eyed the many young people, dressed up for the Saturday night. \u00a0Disembarking at the Porto Genova stop, we all made our way down to the main canal. \u00a0Being a beautiful sunny day, there were masses of people spilling out from the scores of bars, restaurants and cafes that line the canal. \u00a0Happy hour \u00a0was underway and specials were advertised throughout the area, most offering drinks and accompanying appetizer buffets.<\/p>\n

Many of the younger set made their way to the grassy areas that line the canal near the Ticinese dock, while families biked the paths that line Navigli Martesana.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Tourists crowded on the the many bridges that span the canals, all clamoring to get that perfect selfie and other artwork was abound with countless galleries and signs pointing to courtyards showcasing local artists work. \u00a0 Design showrooms and temporary outdoor photography and art exhibits can be found throughout the area.<\/p>\n

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If shopping is your thing, head to the Navigli Grande for the flea market held on the last Sunday of every month, except July. \u00a0From Viale Gorizia to the bridge on the Via Valenza, covering almost two kilometres on the banks of the Naviglio Grande, you will find everything from jewelry, to furniture to clothing.<\/p>\n

Whatever you enjoy, take a moment to head down to this vibrant area of Milan…there is something for everyone!<\/p>\n

Check out more pictures on Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.com<\/p>\n

Navigli Grande<\/strong><\/p>\n