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Vicolo Lavandai: A Step Back in Time

Step back in time at Vicolo Lavandai, a charming historic alley in Milan's Navigli, where washermen once toiled along the canal.

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Vicolo Lavandai, or the Alley of the Washermen, is a historic and picturesque corner of Milan's Navigli district. This well-preserved alleyway once served as a public washhouse from the 18th century until the 1950s, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

A brief summary to Vicolo Lavandai

  • Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 14, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, 20144, IT
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Take a stroll along the Naviglio Grande to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Navigli district.
  • Stop by the restaurant El Brellin to experience traditional Milanese cuisine in a historic setting.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Porta Genova FS metro station, walk north along Viale Gorizia, then turn left onto Alzaia Naviglio Grande. Continue along the canal; Vicolo Lavandai will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    Take the M2 Metro line to Porta Genova FS. From the station, it's a short walk to Vicolo Lavandai. Alternatively, take bus lines 2, 74, or 94 to the Via Valenza Alzaia Nav. Grande stop, which is a 2-minute walk to the alley. A single metro or bus ticket costs €2.

  • Taxi

    From Milan city center, a taxi to Vicolo Lavandai will cost approximately €10-€15 for a 5 to 10 km ride. Note that it can sometimes be difficult to find a taxi in Milan. Taxi base fares are €4.10 during the day and €7.90 at night, plus €1.32 per km.

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Discover more about Vicolo Lavandai

Vicolo Lavandai, nestled in Milan's vibrant Navigli district, offers a captivating glimpse into the city's past. This historic alleyway, located at Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 14, was once a bustling public washhouse, active from the 18th century until the mid-20th century. The name translates to "Alley of the Washermen," a nod to the predominantly male Confraternity of Lavandai who originally performed the washing. Originally called “Vicol de Bugandee,” the alley later adopted its current name, which carries the same meaning. The washermen's guild, established around 1700, even had its own patron saint, Anthony of Padua, with an altar dedicated to him in the nearby Santa Maria delle Grazie al Naviglio church. The Confraternity of Lavandai were responsible for washing the linens and clothes of wealthy families, collecting laundry in baskets and carrying them to the alley. Visitors can still see the remnants of this history, including a small stream fed by the Naviglio Grande, where clothes were rinsed. The washermen knelt on wooden platforms called "brellin" to scrub clothes on stone stalls, some of which remain today. A courtyard adjacent to the alley features a centrifuge from the early 20th century, a testament to the evolving laundry process. Once, a grocery store within the alley sold soap and brushes; today, the renowned restaurant El Brellin occupies the space, maintaining the area's traditional atmosphere.

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