Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

"The impressive iron and glass-domed building that is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a "mall", dedicated to the King of Italy. The Gallery was first opened in 1867 and was completed only in 1878, and it represents the pedestrian passage of excellence that connects Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala and to the Fortress. It was designed by Giuseppe Menhoni keeping in mind the most elegant European capitals of the time, such as Paris and London - this same architect also did lots of work in Florence, including the Mercato Centrale and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio food markets. Nicknamed "the living room of the Milanese" for its opulent, elegant setting, full of prestigious shops like Louis Vuitton and Prada, restaurants, trendy bars and bookstores. In earlier times people dressed up just to enter the Gallery. The building shows mosaic symbols of important cities such as Rome and Florence. On the floor in the central octagon, today a privileged place for events and installations, you can see the heraldic symbol of the Savoy family of Turin with a white cross on a red background and the famous bull depicted with the "attributes" right in sight. The custom says that it brings good luck to place your right foot on the bull's attributes (symbol of strength and vigor) and to make 3 rotations with your eyes closed, pivoting on your heel. The origins of this tradition seem to be very ancient. It would seem born almost as a mockery in the nineteenth century towards the rival city of Turin. According to the legend, however, it brings good luck to rotate 360° with the heel of the right foot on the bull's testicles only at midnight on December 31st - but no harm in trying any day of the year! "

"Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and one of Milan's iconic landmarks, the Galleria is located in a four-story double arcade in the city center. Named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy, it was designed in 1861 and constructed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni between 1865 and 1877. The structure features two glass-vaulted arcades that intersect at an octagon, covering the street between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala. Its glass and cast iron roof, typical of 19th-century arcades, was inspired by designs like London's Burlington Arcade. The central octagon is topped by a glass dome, and the Galleria was larger than its predecessors, shaping the development of modern enclosed shopping malls. At the centre, mosaics depict the coat of arms of Milan and three former Italian capitals—Turin, Florence, and Rome. Tradition says spinning three times on the bull from Turin's mosaic brings good luck, though it has caused wear to the artwork. "

"Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a stunning architectural masterpiece and one of Milan’s most luxurious shopping destinations. Located near the Duomo, this elegant 19th-century glass-domed arcade is home to high-end boutiques, designer stores, and upscale cafés. Visitors can indulge in premium shopping, savor gourmet dining, and admire the grandiose design, making it not just a retail experience, but a cultural and visual delight in the heart of Milan. "