Conca dell’Incoronata

What mysteries lie buried beneath the bustling streets of Milan? Today, we unearth one such secret: the Conca dell’Incoronata. This unassuming basin, tucked away on Via San Marco, was once a vital artery in Milan’s circulatory system- not of blood, but of water. Imagine a time when Milan was a city interwoven with canals, the Naviglio. These waterways, the lifeblood of the city, teemed with merchants and their goods. The Conca dell’Incoronata served as a watery gateway, connecting the Naviglio Martesana to the grand Cerchia dei Navigli encircling the city. This ingenious lock system, built in 1496, allowed boats to navigate the different water levels. It was here, at this very spot, that merchants paid their dues, the ‘gabelle’, giving the Conca dell’Incoronata its alternate name – Conca delle Gabelle. While many hands contributed to its construction, a certain Leonardo Da Vinci, then in the service of the Duke of Milan, played a crucial role. Though his initial studies for the Conca date back to 1482, his innovative lock designs proved essential. Sadly, the whispers of the Naviglio were silenced in the 1930s when urban planning led to their burial. Yet, the Conca dell’Incoronata remains, a silent testament to Milan’s watery past. As you stand here, picture the bustling canal, the clanging of the lock gates, and the shouts of the merchants. The Conca dell’Incoronata is a hidden gem, a poignant reminder of a time when Milan’s heart beat to the rhythm of the waterways.