Boat tour on the on the Naviglio Grande in Boffalora

Starting from the Naviglio Grande, from the historic Borgo di Boffalora above the Ticino, it is possible to immediately observe the green and luxuriant vegetation typical of the Lombard plain, this will surround us throughout our journey. Going up the canal after a few minutes, you will find the famous and spectacular patrician villas in Cassinetta di Lugagnano (the most beautiful villages in Italy) and Robecco sul Naviglio. From the boat you can admire the so-called villas of Delights, authentic jewels of rural architecture used by illustrious families as a holiday resort and as an elegant base for carrying out checks on their possessions.

Continuing along this stretch of Naviglio Grande, you will notice Ponte Nuovo di Magenta, Pontevecchio di Magenta and Bernate Ticino with the splendid Agostiniana Canonica. But it is in Castelletto di Cuggiono, at Villa Clerici, one of the most luxurious villas in the whole of Milan, that you can admire the majestic staircase from the canal, originally the main entrance to the building.

Among the historic buildings that meet, there are 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 Cassinetta bridge, Casa Spirito, particular for the opening, at regular intervals, of its numerous windows that mark the facade and Villa Castiglioni-Nai-Bossi.

Sailing along this stretch of the Naviglio is an ideal option to switch off, 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.