The darsena – a manmade water basin of 17,500 m2, 1.5m in depth – located near Porta Ticinese was once the harbour of Milan. Water flows in mainly from the Naviglio Grande and out as the Naviglio Pavese, with cavo Ticinello acting as compensation. The darsena dates to 1603 when it was built by the Spanish governor Pedro Enriquez de Acevedo conte di Fuentes for strategic and military purposes. In addition to being the city harbour, it was also an important transit point for water flow.
When commercial river traffic ceased, the Darsena and the canals became a tourist destination. The entire area was reclaimed in 2015, once again becoming a reference point for city residents and passing visitors alike, the sidewalks of the waterways filled with boutiques and meeting places. Piazza XXIV Maggio hosts the central market, a modern structure in steel and glass that overlooks the waters of the darsena. Riverboats leave from near the Naviglio Grande tow path to head down the canals.
Fondazione Lombardia Film Commission
Via Bergamo, 7 – 20032 Cormano (MI)
Phone: +39 02 89410090
Fax: +39 02 89422766
Email: filmcom@filmcomlombardia.it
