{"id":59850,"date":"2025-04-19T18:59:37","date_gmt":"2025-04-19T16:59:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=59850"},"modified":"2025-04-19T19:07:58","modified_gmt":"2025-04-19T17:07:58","slug":"navigli-milan-italy-green-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2025\/04\/navigli-milan-italy-green-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Green Itinerary through the Navigli: Discovering a Different Side of Milan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Milan knows how to surprise<\/strong>, especially when you decide to slow down and look at it with fresh eyes. That\u2019s exactly what we did on a spring Saturday, walking along its most iconic canals<\/strong>: the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A walking itinerary<\/strong> through nature, history, street art<\/strong>, and poetry\u2014perfect to discover the city\u2019s authentic soul. And yes, there’s also a moving tribute to the great Alda Merini<\/strong>, the poetic spirit of these places.<\/p>\n

From San Eustorgio to the Darsena: history and atmosphere<\/h2>\n
\"Basilica
Basilica di San Eustorgio, photo by Silvia Ombellini<\/div><\/div>\n

Our itinerary begins in Milan\u2019s historical heart, in front of the evocative Basilica of San Eustorgio<\/strong>. From here we head onto the Naviglio Grande<\/strong>, letting the water and the warm colors of the traditional \u201ccase di ringhiera\u201d guide us. We pass through the Vicolo dei Lavandai<\/strong>, a corner suspended in time, where we imagine women washing clothes in the canal, surrounded by chatter and the scent of soap.<\/p>\n

\"Darsena,
Darsena, photo by Silvia Ombellini<\/div><\/div>\n

We reach the Darsena<\/strong>, today buzzing with life, caf\u00e9s, and bicycles<\/strong>. It’s the beating heart of the Navigli, where a perfect balance between past and present can be felt. Here I take a short break: the sun warms my skin and the atmosphere invites me to truly slow down.<\/p>\n

Naviglio Pavese: nature and hidden corners<\/h2>\n
\"Naviglio
Naviglio Pavese, Milan. Photo by Yorick39 via Wikimedia<\/div><\/div>\n

We continue along the Naviglio Pavese<\/strong>, which is definitely more peaceful yet equally charming. In springtime, flowers bloom along the canals, offering postcard-like views. We get lost among hidden courtyards, small art galleries, and colorful murals<\/strong>. Every corner is a discovery, an invitation to slow down.<\/p>\n

A must-see stop: Spazio Alda Merini<\/h2>\n
\"Spazio
Photo by Silvia Ombellini<\/div><\/div>\n

On the quiet Via Magolfa 30, we find the Spazio Alda Merini<\/strong>, a small house-museum dedicated to the poetess who captured the soul of the Navigli like no one else. Open from Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 AM\u20136:00 PM), it’s an intimate, moving space.<\/p>\n

Inside, I visit a faithful reconstruction of her bedroom<\/strong>, with original furniture and objects from her house in Ripa Ticinese. Then I lose myself among photographs by Giuliano Grittini<\/strong>, poetry panels and quotes. It\u2019s impossible not to be touched by her words, still floating through these rooms.<\/p>\n

\"Spazio
Spazio Alda Merini. Photo by Silvia Ombellini<\/div><\/div>\n

Alda Merini lived most of her life along the Navigli, finding inspiration here for her writing. As you walk along Ripa di Porta Ticinese or stop at Bar Charlie, you can still breathe the bohemian atmosphere that permeated her poetry.<\/p>\n

Hidden Navigli: stories, legends, and curiosities<\/h2>\n

Along the way, we uncover fascinating anecdotes that bring the Navigli to life:<\/p>\n