Today, only a few visible stretches of the Navigli remain, but their waters continue to hold fascinating tales, legends, ancient crafts, forgotten heresies, and stories of everyday life. Milan was once criss-crossed by a dense network of navigable canals, veritable “waterways” that connected it to the world.

This walking tour is a journey through the city's fluid memory: we will retrace the history and evolution of the Navigli, but above all, we will give a voice to those who lived, worked, or found refuge on these banks. From the dukes and ambassadors who entered Milan on sumptuous barges, to the workers, washerwomen, heretics, and poets.

Among the most intense voices is that of Alda Merini, who lived right on the Navigli and left words imbued with pain, love, and enchantment. An itinerary to discover the Navigli as you have never seen them before: between reality and mystery, poetry and water.

Places visited: Darsena, Naviglio Grande, Vicolo dei Lavandai, Chiesa San Cristoforo, Via Vigevano, Via Magolfa, Naviglio Pavese

Meeting point: On the bridge over the Cavo Ticinello, P.za Ventiquattro Maggio, 20123 Milan MI, Italy

Tour duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

All our guided visits are conducted by licensed tourist guides.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the tour. The tours start with the utmost punctuality.