Boat tour on the on the Naviglio Grande in Boffalora

Starting from the Naviglio Grande, from the historic village of Boffalora above the Ticino, you can immediately observe the green and lush vegetation typical of the Lombard plain, this will surround us throughout our journey. From the boat you can admire the so-called villas of Delizie, authentic jewels of rural architecture used by illustrious families as a holiday resort and as an elegant base to carry out checks on their possessions.

Among the historic buildings that you come across numerous villas of Delizia including Villa Gambotto Negri, with a sumptuous entrance; Villa Visconti Castiglione Maniera, colored yellow and characterized by a double garden on three floors; Villa Beolco-Negri, adjacent to the bridge of Cassinetta, Casa Spirito, particular for opening, at regular intervals, of its numerous windows that mark the facade and Villa Castiglioni-Nai-Bossi. Sailing along this stretch of Naviglio is an ideal option to unwind, allowing yourself a moment of absolute tranquility.  

The navigation on the Navigli lasts one hour and ends at the starting jetty, on the Naviglio Grande in Boffalora

Did you know that …?

There are several curiosities that can be found on the canals, here are some:

1) The villa of Delizia was an architectural genre particularly widespread among the nobility starting from the sixteenth century. These were suburban residences, where the nobles retreated during their holidays. In the Milanese area, the Ville di Delizia developed along the path of the two canals, Grande and Martesana or towards the Brianza countryside such as the famous Royal Villa of Monza.

2) Prestigious families including the Trivulzio, Visconti, Mantegazza and Castiglioni families built their villas in this area and only here did they find time to regenerate body and mind from city life.

4) The mill of the Pazza Biraga, visible near Cassinetta, is of fifteenth-century origin and is considered the oldest functioning mill in the Navigli circle, in almost intact conditions.

5) Boffalora Sopra Ticino is crossed in its central part by the Naviglio Grande which divides the town into the upper and lower parts

6) The name “Castelletto” (of Cuggiono) derives from the castle owned by the Clerici family, located on the banks of the Naviglio Grande, on a strategic hill probably established for military purposes since the Roman domination.