A brief historical insight
The Navigli consist of the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese; and both were true communication routes from Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and lower Ticino. The Navigli, in fact, is a system of irrigation canals that were created to allow the transport of people and goods over long distances, beyond serving as a defensive line from enemy attacks. The Naviglio Grande was created in 1457, waiting almost 400 years before meeting its "younger sibling" created in the Napoleonic period.
CURIOSITY
It was the naviglio that enabled the construction of the Milan cathedral (Duomo di Milano), as its marbles were transported from Candoglia on the Naviglio Grande to their ultimate goal.
Nowadays on the water we see tourist and young Cannotta boats. Although it may seem unbelievable, the Navigli had a very remarkable expanse, even to the point of beginning to consider Milan as a small Venice. In time, the canals were filled with earth to allow the construction of roads and palaces; reason why the Navigli as they are known today, are in the very old version of the Milan of bygone days. Their charm has not disappeared with time, and as with all of Italy, it allows time travel with the fascination of today's gaze.
Il Naviglio Piccolo (Pavese)
I would not call the Pavia Canal the best of the two for food and drinks. Nevertheless, there are places that are worth considering for the quality of the products they offer and for their specialties.
TO DRINK
I Mirador
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The Mirador is renowned not only for its delicious food and drinks, but also and especially for its view of the city's rooftops. Definitely a must!
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Strainer Cocktail Bar
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It is a very good venue in terms of drinks, with a wide variety of choices. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and convivial.
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TO EAT
MIND | Milano Navigli | Discobar
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It is an extremely well-known venue; in fact, it is difficult to find it empty. There are always a lot of young people there, and imaginative cocktails, during aperitifs, are served with a variety of dishes. In case you are hungry, it offers simple and famous dishes revisited from an original perspective.
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Ai Balestrari sul Naviglio Pavese
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The main restaurant I suggest in this area. Despite not being typical Milanese; the assortment of Italian dishes, especially varieties of pasta, is definitely worth a try!
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Il Naviglio Grande
Crossing the street, protecting yourself from all thoughtless cyclists, you arrive at the Naviglio Grande. Although there is a wide variety of dining establishments and culinary traditions, I always recommend reserving or arriving well in advance.
TO DRINK
Ego Cocktail & Spirits
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A bar made to measure. A place where everything is made in the customer's image. The experience is based in the bartender's ability to understand and satisfy tastes through customized cocktails.
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After Pier
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Delicious cocktails and aperitifs, all Italian-style, combined with a modern style as typical of new venues throughout Milan.
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GinO12
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Delicious restaurant, renowned for their endless assortment of GINs!
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Iter
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Just as you may get the impression upon entering, the restaurant is marked by "iter" (Latin for journey). The particularity of its aperitifs is the proposal of an Italy in the perspective of the different influences that have enriched it around the world, as well as having a great attention to the quality of the products.
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Mag Cafe
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For those who seek elegance even in a glass, this is your place! Renowned architecture à la Paris of the early 1920s combined with the charm of Italian decadence. A place not to be missed!
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La Prosciutteria Milano Navigli
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Just as the name implies, the restaurant, in the Tuscan tradition, is imprinted with prosciutto. Not only for the singular variety, but especially for the huge portions!
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Bond Milano
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Right in the middle of the Naviglio Grande, this bar is renowned not only for its cocktails but especially for its customer care, considering an adaptability to a wide variety of diets.
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TO EAT
Il Mannarino Navigli
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In this restaurant, what is surprising is the assortment of meats, which despite straying from tradition, is forgiven in taste!
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Posto di Conversazione
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Exceptional restaurant for anyone who wanted to venture out to discover typical Milanese cuisine!
Not everyone can say to have this luxury!😉
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Al Coniglio Bianco
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Perfect for anyone who would like to eat great traditional dishes from our country! Varying in the different origins of dishes from all over Italy, definitely a good place if you want to go on the safe side, knowing you can eat good Italian food!
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Officina 12
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At this mouth-watering restaurant, there is a respect for Italian cuisine that is combined with the offer of a gin discovery with its centuries-old history.
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Right next to "Officina 12" by paying a little attention, we can realize that history joins the narrative of our journey once again: finding ourselves next to the Vicolo dei Lavandai. A place used in the everyday life of the Milanese in the 18th century to take care of laundry. It is a common custom for locals to refer to the alley as female, considering that from the 19th century onward it was always women who took care of the laundry; although for the sake of historical correctness it must be remembered that initially at the time the alley was built, and hence its activity, it was purely male.
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Right at the "mouth" of the Navigli, we have the city's most famous artificial body of water: the Darsena.
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Recognized as one of the reunion places, especially for picnicking at the edge of the canal to enjoy the environment and company. This experience, predominant during the spring and summer seasons, transforms during the cold weather into a huge skating rink, bringing together families, couples, friends and laughter. Pleasant and magical place at any time of the year, with a foreign culinary proposal adapted to the Italian tradition.
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After a slight snack from GUD, is clearly visible the Arco di Porta Ticinese. A monument in the neoclassical style, which in the nineteenth era represented the actual gateway to Milan for all those arriving from the South. Even nowadays it is observed to be found right in the center of the square, dedicated at the time to transit, and the exchange of goods.
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Since there is always space for a gelato, just next to the Arco di Porta Ticinese, there is one of the best in the hole area. 😉
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Hidden historic pearls
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This marvelous monument has the distinction of including different styles in its interior. There are recognizable elements of an early Christian church and a Romanesque structure.
#PICSPOT
Only a few years ago a delicious waffle store was opened with the peculiarity of having a shape quite allusive ... to female and male genitalia! Definitely worthy of a souvenir photo, among friends ... or as a couple!
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Back to history, following the street where we finished eating our waffle, we arrive at Porta Ticinese. It is one of the six gates that surround the city, built in the early 1800' with the characteristic red bricks of Northern Italian architecture of the time, it represented not only a protection and defense for the city, but more importantly it was used as a "customhouse" to collect an entry fee for anyone wishing to pass through. Nowadays it has lost its function, although, it continues to create a feeling of respect for all those who pass under it; because of its majesty and the perfection with which it is nestled in modern architecture.
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Passing through the gate one comes to another extremely important place in Italian history: le Colonne di San Lorenzo. Although nowadays it is a place I recommend visiting with the sun and in passing, considering the fame of the people who can be found there. (💊💉)
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This incredible place is one of the few sites that still survive of the impressive and renowned architecture of the Roman Empire. These ruins nowadays frame the oldest church in the entire city: the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore. A spectacular monument whose interior is a surprise in its own size and works of art.
THE END
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