Traces of the Duchy of Milan

One of the most beautiful attractions in Trezzano Sul Naviglio is its bridge, also known as the ‘humpback’ bridge. Only some know that this bridge, although one of the main bridges over the Naviglio Grande, was initially made of wooden beams and remained of this material until 1625, when the Spanish rebuilt it in masonry. All the stones and precious marble that built the Milan Cathedral along the so-called ‘marble route’ of the Naviglio Grande passed under this bridge.

Of great importance for the Trezzano area was the construction of the Naviglio Grande between 1233 and 1257, which connected the Ticino di Tornavento, via Abbiategrasso, to Milan and made it possible to speed up traffic flows with Pavia and Lake Maggiore via the Ticino. The construction of the towpath also facilitated overland connections.

The new transport system allowed the fast movement of people and goods; furthermore, the connection with the Porta Ticinese dock for transporting material destined for the Duomo factory put Trezzano in direct communication with the centre of Milan.

Trezzano was undoubtedly a vital transit centre, and this bridge was its reason. There were many kilometres to be travelled between one bridge and the next, so in those days, traffic was channelled where it was possible to cross the river. 

Today we admire this bridge completely immersed in city traffic and an atmosphere that has now evolved, leaving us with very few traces of the place’s past. 

Perhaps, this is an important cue to meditate on past riches that can and should be enhanced to teach future generations.