Milan s canals flow with history

The next Olympic report has to do with water. We know Venice was built on water but it's not the only Italian city where you'll find canals. Our Olympic reporter Matt Renau is in Milan this morning and Matt, Venice is the undisputed king of canals but there are some right there in Milan that people can check out. You're right Corrine Drew, good morning. This is such an unknown part of Milan. You know Milan's known for so many different things, fashion, finance, it's incredible food but like Venice, Milan has canals. There used to be an extensive network running through the city, most have been closed and dried out but they still have a few and they're popular tourist attractions during the Olympics. Milan, Italy is most known for its amazing cathedral. Always we have to go by the cathedral. But Milan resident Alessandro Panini says there's another part of the city that a lot of people don't know about. Yes, people are very surprised because most of the people are not aware of the fact that we have water in Milano and looks a little like Venice. Here we are at the beautiful canals of Milano. Did you expect to find the canals here? The canals of Milan were once a big deal in Europe and were part of the oldest canals that once flowed 31 miles connecting to a network of canals flowing through the city. It was one of the greatest infrastructures back then that helped transport goods. Milano was full of canals, it got a little bit the feeling of Venice. Until trucks started doing the job and that's when these canals were closed. It just started, you know, being less useful. Today only a portion of them still flow and you're only going to find one gondola on the water. Really, I'm not joking, we have one gondola so you can take a ride on the canal. But more tourists are discovering the water here, leaving locks on the bridges and enjoying a part of Milan. Tourists are starting to appreciate this area as well. Alessandro says it has been flowing with beauty for centuries. It's very lovely. It is very lovely and a very lovely part of Milan as well. Leonardo da Vinci actually designed some of the locks in these canals to try and make them a lot better to improve on the quality of those locks. And so there's a little bit of history right there and some boats actually still get out on the water here. Reporting from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, I'm Matt Renew, 9News. Corey, Drew, only one gondola and one gondolier that runs this. I've been here for two hours, I've not seen that yet. But I've seen several boats going up and down the water and some rowing teams actually using the water today. It's like 60 degrees, clearly the Italians getting a jump on the Summer Olympics. Hopefully you don't have to be anywhere fast, Matt. I am curious, is this the last morning that we're going to have you live with us from the Olympics or are you coming back on Monday for an Olympic recap? Oh, I think this is it. I think this is, I think you're right, Drew and Corey. This is the last one. We've still got, we've got reports on Saturday and Sunday still, but this will be our last Monday through Friday morning show. It's been fun hanging out with you guys in Italy. You are so phenomenal and so talented and it's been so much fun, not only seeing the live reports from there, but all of the history and the insight into the athletes. So we appreciate you, Matt. And Matt, Matt, you can't hear us, right? You can only see us? I can hear you. I can't see you. Okay, so what we're doing right now, we're holding up a gold medal. We're holding up a beautiful gold medal. Totally. And we're going to put it around your neck. A gold medal effort from Matt Renau throughout the Olympics. Thank you. I wouldn't wear it today because it would cover this magnificent sweater, but I'll wear it otherwise. Yes, it is magnificent. That is true. Matt, you are wonderful. Thank you.