The Martesana Villages: Small Stories and Great Beauty
Along the Naviglio Martesana, rural hamlets have grown into urban centres, shaping a unique landscape where water remains a constant witness to human history.
Despite urbanization, the magic of these places lies in their ability to bring everyday stories — past and present — back to life. As you walk along the towpaths, these stories quietly come back to life from the past.
It is a way of restoring colour to an overly human-shaped landscape, rediscovering territory’s authentic soul. Each settlement, with its traditions and stories, offers a vivid glimpse into how life has long been intertwined with the flow of the Naviglio, creating an iimportant cultural and human legacy.
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Greco Milanese
Milano
“According to tradition, the farmhouse in Greco was built by one of the Hellenic families settled in the Como area by Julius Caesar“. It’s a story that feels almost suspended in time. Most striking here are the humble dwellings of coachmen and “fiaccherai” — traditional carriage drivers — miraculously preserved as a reminder of the neighbourhood’s working-class soul.
Gorla Milanese
Milan
This charming village on the outskirts of Milan boasts a rich history closely tied to the Naviglio Martesana, earning it the nickname “Little Paris” for its many villas once owned by nobles and wealthy Milanese bourgeois. The energy of its artisans and merchants made it a vibrant hub of social and cultural life.
Gorgonzola
Famous worldwide for its cheese, Gorgonzola is a historic village just outside Milan. Its prosperity has long been tied to the waterway that runs through it. The banks were once bustling with farmers, merchants, and wealthy Milanese who lived and worked along the canal. This unique blend made Gorgonzola a vibrant crossroads of cultures and activity — a living testament to its glorious past and dynamic community.
Inzago
Like many villages along the Martesana, Inzago lived in close symbiosis with the Naviglio, a bond that shaped its identity and social life. At the heart of the community stood Piazza Maggiore, the main gathering place, around which historic sites such as the Filanda Bartesaghi, a former silk mill, flourished.
Cernusco sul Naviglio
This is the historic heart of Cernusco, now extensively restored. Piazza Gavazzi was once known for its old silk mill. The municipal administration has created a pedestrian route celebrating the town’s silk-producing heritage. Piazza Matteotti was the traditional gathering place for the people of Cernusco, whereas Piazza Unità d’Italia served as an elegant setting for special events and public celebrations.
