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Milan plots return to golden age of canals

9th October 2007

After years of neglect, plans are afoot to restore the canal network of Milan to its former glory.

Lombardy Canals, the agency which oversees canals in northern Italy, intends to raise funding to bring repair work to a network that once rivalled that of Venice in terms of its beauty.

In fact, Leonardo Da Vinci is said to have worked on lock designs for the canals while he was working as a court engineer around 1500.

The advent of road and rail transport spelt the end for Milan's canals from a trade perspective, but the Pavia Canal, Darsena, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio della Martesana remain points of historical interest.

Lombardy Canals now needs to raise €1 billion (£0.7 billion) to rebuild Milan's canals, with almost a third of that earmarked for embankments running alongside key industrial, agricultural and historical sites, Reuters reports.

Commenting on the task, Emanuele Errico, chairman of Lombardy Canals, said: "This density of canals joining a great city to the surrounding countryside is an example that is almost unique in the world."

It is hoped that the 94-mile network can become an attractive feature for visitors, with cycling holidays, hotels and restaurants among the suggested projects.

Boat tours already operate along the waterways, while the flea market alongside the Darsena and the artists' stalls along the Naviglio Grande are also well worth a visit.

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