Boffalora Sopra Ticino: History along the Naviglio Grande

Waterways and natural surroundings

The Naviglio Grande runs through the central part of Boffalora Sopra Ticino; the Ticino River flows along its outskirts. The municipality lies within the Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino. The waterways therefore have distinct roles in the townscape: the canal runs through the centre, while the river borders the outskirts. This geographical perspective also offers a way into the town’s history.

Boffalora Sopra Ticino also lies within three areas of natural significance: the La Fagiana and Turbigaccio woods, the Castelletto woods and the Lanca di Bernate. They are classified as a Special Protection Area for their flora and fauna. This natural setting adds another perspective on the landscape and its protected areas to the history of the Naviglio.

Water as part of the town’s history

The first settlement in Boffalora Sopra Ticino dates to 1180–1190, during the construction of the Naviglio Grande. A later trace of water use is the “Cornice” water intake on the Naviglio. First mentioned in 1346, it belonged to the noble Crivelli family and was of great importance for using water in agriculture, crafts and industry.

Another historical connection to the canal is the Barchètt. This river transport service on the Naviglio linked Boffalora Sopra Ticino with Milan. It operated from 1645 until the beginning of the 20th century. These examples highlight two distinct functions of the waterway: the Cornice represents the use of water in agriculture, crafts and industry, while the Barchètt represents the connection between Boffalora and Milan. Together, they show how water engineering and local history are intertwined.

Buildings and remembrance

Villa Giulini and its surrounding English garden were built around the mid-18th century by Count Giorgio Giulini. The building, garden and period of construction belong together here: the garden is part of the history of the estate. The Grangia dei Certosini also tells a story of agriculture and rule. The Carthusians of Pavia built it; it was not until 1750 that they became its feudal lords and gave agriculture a major boost. The sequence of events matters: the Carthusians’ construction of the site and their later feudal rule were not the same event.

At the Santuario dell’Acquanera, the memory of the 1868 flood is preserved by a marker showing the water level reached by the Ticino at the time. Alongside the history of the canal and its use, a specific flood event is thus part of the town’s collective memory.

Mini-cruise on the Naviglio

A mini-cruise departs from the landing stage in Boffalora Sopra Ticino at Piazza IV Giugno. The route goes via Bernate Ticino to the village of Rubone, then returns to Boffalora Sopra Ticino. The return journey is therefore part of the planned route. If you would like to include this trip in your plans, check the reservation and operating conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Castellazzo, Melegnano, Turbigo, Basiglio, Vermezzo, Caponago, Gorgonzola, Cassina de’ Pecchi.

For the broader travel overview: Milan.