The Ticino River originates from Mount San Gottardo in the Canton of Ticino, flows into Lake Maggiore, and exits at Sesto Calende. Along its course, it marks the border between Piedmont and Lombardy before merging into the Po River near Pavia, the city it crosses. The rich flora and fauna along its banks are so important that two regional parks have been established to protect them.

It was Galeazzo Visconti who, in 1365, envisioned the construction of the Naviglio, a canal whose works began at the end of the 16th century and continued for three centuries until its official inauguration in 1819. This innovative waterway provided a vital connection between Pavia and Milan, as well as with Trieste and Venice. The Pavia section of the canal, built between 1805 and 1813, dates back to the Napoleonic era.

It is 12 meters wide, has a height difference of 57 meters, and features 12 locks, whose design also involved Leonardo da Vinci. Additionally, it has 49 irrigation outlets that allow the watering of 8,000 hectares of land.

In the early 19th century, it was used not only for passenger transport but also for carrying goods and salt. However, by the mid-century, the situation changed drastically: the advent of the train, which was faster and more cost-effective, significantly reduced the use of the Naviglio as a transportation route.