Naviglio Grande Canal

The Naviglio Grande Canal is a historic waterway in Lombardy, Italy, constructed between 1179 and 1209. It originates from the Ticino River and extends to Milan, covering approximately 50 km (31 miles) with a total fall of 33.5 meters (110 feet). The canal's water level is regulated by sluices. To aid in transporting marble for Milan's cathedral, it was connected to an old moat. Notably, the Naviglio Grande was the site of Italy's first pound lock, which used miter gates instead of earlier portcullis designs to manage water levels effectively. This canal was later improved by Leonardo da Vinci, who incorporated six locks, including one with vertically hinged mitre gates.12