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Boat Tour
10 people
ITA - EN
Navigating the Navigli is one of the most authentic and proper way to get to know the real city of Milan. The Milanese waterways have existed since Roman times and have always played a fundamental role in the history and economy of the city - this itinerary allows to discover the secrets of this fascinating neighborhood up close. The canals, also called Leonardo's Navigli, due to the work that Leonardo Da Vinci have put into it by designing the dam system. The boat ride on the Navigli is a must among the things to do in Milan.
The boat tour along the Adda River can start either from Vaprio d’Adda or from Concesa di Trezzo, offering visitors a journey rich in history, landscapes, and unique cultural heritage.
Starting from Vaprio d’Adda, you will first see the picturesque Casa del Custode delle Acque, a historic checkpoint where merchants once stopped to pay the tolls imposed by local governments. Shortly after, you’ll pass the magnificent Villa Melzi, a historic residence with beautiful terraced gardens, which had the honor of hosting Leonardo da Vinci.
The tour continues through the green landscapes of the Parco Adda Nord, reaching the famous Crespi d’Adda, a model workers’ village founded by the Crespi family for their employees. Dominated by the family’s castle, the village still represents a rare example of a balance between authority and social welfare. Since 1995, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Those starting from Concesa di Trezzo begin their journey at the charming Sanctuary of Concesa, built along the river to seek divine protection from storms. Though not very large, the church is artistically significant and surrounded by a peaceful garden cared for by Carmelite friars.
From both starting points, the boat returns to the departure location, offering a circular journey through nature, history, and extraordinary architecture, immersed in the timeless beauty of the Adda River.
The navigation on the Naviglio Martesana lasts about 60 minutes.
Did you know that …? There are several curiosities that can be found on the canals, here are some: 1) The Navigli Martesana is also called the Naviglio Piccolo 2) It was designed by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci; Carlo Borromeo and all the Milanese archbishops sailed it, the procession of Maria Anna of Habsburg and Archduke Ferdinando, and also Alessandro Manzoni, Cesare Beccaria, Parini and the Scaliger soprano Luigi Marchesi. 3) Elio e le Storie Tese talks about the Naviglio Martesana in his song “Zelig: la cunesiun del pulpacc” 4) The Sanctuary of Concesa is built under the fortress of Concesa, a spur of rock that dominates the Adda valley, from here the Naviglio Martesana is born.
