The Navigli district in Milan is one of the most charming areas in Italy, a definite must see when you are in town. This nowadays vibrant central area in the past connected the city with lake Como, lake Maggiore, Switzerland and other important trade areas for Italy through its 5 major canals. Constructed by as famous architects of its time as Da Vinci in the XV century, today the area is the centre of night life, with many restaurants, bars and art shops.
You can start the day with a nice espresso and a walk around.
Do not miss to see the small church Santa Maria delle Grazie al Naviglio and the picturesque Vicolo dei Lavandai, where in the past women washed their family’s clothes with water from the canal.
Then take a boat tour to discover the Cistercian Abbey of Morimondo, enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Abbey and move on to Cuggiono to visit the eighteenth century Villa Annoni, one of the most important examples of neoclassical architecture in Italy, with its marvellous park.
If you happen to be there the last Sunday of the month, do not miss the antique market on the south side of the Naviglio Grande.
You can also go to Navigli at sunset just to enjoy a drink in one of the numerous bars, looking at the sun’s reflections in the water canals. And don’t forget to finish the day with some of the best gelato in Italy – at Porta Ticinese. You might have to wait in line, but we promise it is worth it!
