Naviglio Grande carries a long history of movement in a landscape now read at walking pace. Its construction began in the twelfth century, and once navigable it helped bring Candoglia marble toward Milan for the building of the Duomo.
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Along Naviglio Grande, the canal’s calm surface can obscure how ambitious its original purpose was. Construction began in 1177, and the waterway was extended toward Milan in 1209; it became navigable in 1272.
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UpgradeQuick facts
- Construction began in 1177 and reached Milan in 1209.
- Naviglio Grande became navigable in 1272.
- It carried Candoglia marble for the Duomo.
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