For many, the novelty of simply having the time and freedom to sit out and watch the world go by while enjoying a meal or a coffee or a glass of wine is one of the best parts about being on holiday. While seeing famous landmarks and trying out new and interesting activities is all well and good, truly relaxing and having some proper down time to unplug and unwind is key to a good vacation. There are, of course, particular spots that are especially well-suited to this kind of leisurely relaxation such as markets, town squares, seafront promenades, and more. Or, if you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy, along an impossibly picturesque canal lined with restaurants and bars.
The Naviglio Grande may not be even close to being one of Italy's famous canals (Venice truly has the monopoly there though there were once plans to turn Milan into another Venice), it is, nonetheless, rather beautiful. Connecting the Ticino river near Tornavento to the Porta Ticinese dock, or the Darsena, in Milan, this canal is almost 50km long. At various points along this length, it is especially picturesque and boasts clusters of charming shops and eateries where visitors can sit out, enjoy the pretty surroundings, sip on a cool drink on a hot summer's day or a hot drink on a chilly evening, and watch the world and its inhabitants go by. One of a selection of other navilgli in Milan, including the Naviglio Pavese, the Naviglio Martesana, the Naviglio di Paderno and the Naviglio di Bereguardo, these canals were central to life in Lombardy for centuries, allowing for irrigation and the transportation of goods and people. The Naviglio Grande was first begun in 1177 and finished almost a century later, in 1272. Famous adopted son of Milan, Leonardo da Vinci even took part in designing later updates to the canal, helping to create the dams that would ensure the canals continued to flow smoothly and consistently and locks such as the one at the Naviglio di San Marco Basin, which can still be seen today. After centuries of contributing massively to the life and commercial sector of Lombardy, the canal has largely returned solely to its original purpose of irrigation in the last few decades with the increasing importance and monopoly of road transportation. There have been, however, campaigns in recent years to restore the canal and return to use of them for navigation purposes.
Another key contemporary use and benefit of the Naviglio Grande that has developed and that is quite different to its original purpose is as a charming landmark and excellent setting for leisure. As you follow the canal you will stumble across various towns and interesting sights and, as you come into Milan, you will reach the Navigli District. Here you can go and see da Vinci's lock at the San Marco Basin; visit the ancient Basilica di San Lorenzo (one of Milan's oldest churches, which dates to the 4th century) and the Byzantine St Aquilino chapel with its frescoes that date back 1,500 years; attend the Mercatone dell’Antiquariato on the last Sunday of each month and browse the over 350 stalls selling all sorts of items that line the banks of the canal; go on a leisurely canal tour on a boat; and, of course, dive into the culinary scene clustered around the area. There are a wide range of eateries and bars along the canal including famous examples such as Ugo, the district's premier cocktail bar, Joe Cipolla with its perfectly prepared steaks, and Langosteria Bistrot, where you can get some of the city's best and freshest seafood dishes. If you have overindulged (and why shouldn't you do so on holidays?!), then stroll along the canal afterwards, listen to the musicians busking, soak up the atmosphere, and be sure to catch the stunning sight of sunset over the waterway.
One of the prettiest places in the entire region, the Naviglio Grande is a must for those who have found a holiday rental in Lombardy and who want to simply relax and enjoy the freedom and leisure of being far away from daily routines on vacation in Italy.
Another key contemporary use and benefit of the Naviglio Grande that has developed and that is quite different to its original purpose is as a charming landmark and excellent setting for leisure. As you follow the canal you will stumble across various towns and interesting sights and, as you come into Milan, you will reach the Navigli District. Here you can go and see da Vinci's lock at the San Marco Basin; visit the ancient Basilica di San Lorenzo (one of Milan's oldest churches, which dates to the 4th century) and the Byzantine St Aquilino chapel with its frescoes that date back 1,500 years; attend the Mercatone dell’Antiquariato on the last Sunday of each month and browse the over 350 stalls selling all sorts of items that line the banks of the canal; go on a leisurely canal tour on a boat; and, of course, dive into the culinary scene clustered around the area. There are a wide range of eateries and bars along the canal including famous examples such as Ugo, the district's premier cocktail bar, Joe Cipolla with its perfectly prepared steaks, and Langosteria Bistrot, where you can get some of the city's best and freshest seafood dishes. If you have overindulged (and why shouldn't you do so on holidays?!), then stroll along the canal afterwards, listen to the musicians busking, soak up the atmosphere, and be sure to catch the stunning sight of sunset over the waterway.
One of the prettiest places in the entire region, the Naviglio Grande is a must for those who have found a holiday rental in Lombardy and who want to simply relax and enjoy the freedom and leisure of being far away from daily routines on vacation in Italy.
