Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Milan's 19th-century iron-and-glass shopping arcade and one of the oldest active shopping malls in the world, constructed between 1865 and 1877 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni. Named after the first king of unified Italy, the Galleria occupies the northern side of Piazza del Duomo and connects it via a cruciform floor plan to Piazza della Scala. The structure consists of two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in a central octagonal space topped by a glass dome 47 metres high. The barrel-vaulted passages are decorated with neo-Renaissance frescoes and elaborate floor mosaics depicting the coats of arms of Milan, Rome, Florence, and Turin — the four capitals of Italy during the Risorgimento period. The Turin bull mosaic at the intersection has given rise to a local tradition: spinning on the bull's genitals three times brings good luck, a ritual that has worn a hollow into the mosaic floor from millions of spinning heels. The Galleria houses Milan's most historic establishments: Caffè Biffi, one of Italy's oldest cafes, opened in 1867; Savini restaurant, dating to 1867; and historic stores including the original Prada and Gucci flagship locations. The upper floors of the arcade contain private apartments, and rooftop access tours have been offered periodically, providing close-up views of the decorative pinnacles and the glass dome structure. Entry is free, and the Galleria is open around the clock as a public thoroughfare between its two piazzas.