Cycling along the five Navigli canals is a marvellous green way to leave the heart of the city into the surrounding area and its farmhouses, noble residences, historic abbeys, parks, rural landscapes and precious testimonies of Leonardo’s work: here are five complete itineraries. The final stages of the Giro d’Italia will be hosted here.
Naviglio Grande
Naviglio Grande
The most important Naviglio Canal in Milan connects the Darsena (docks) in the heart of the city to the River Ticino. After setting off, you immediately come to the small Church of San Cristoforo and then slowly leave the city, passing through Corsico, Trezzano and Gaggiano. The colourful houses and summer residences of the ancient aristocracy overlooking the water progressively accompany the countryside of the South Milan Agricultural Park as far as Abbiategrasso, with the Basilica of Santa Maria Nuova and the former Santa Chiara monastery. The route ends here, where the canal enters the Ticino Valley Natural Park. However, it is well worth continuing on to the small and ancient village of Robecco sul Naviglio with its XVIII century quay.