The first shopping center of Milan, characterized by a sophisticated and elegant style. Built in 1865 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni, the Galleria has two entrances that connect its large octagonal square with Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala. While he was building one of the domes, Mengoni fell and died on the spot: someone rumored that he committed suicide because people disliked his creation. Yet, despite the initial negative comments, the gallery quickly began to be attended by the Milanese gentry.

Here you have to walk quietly, as if you were still in the early ‘900 and still surrounded by elegant gentlemen in tails and ladies in long skirts, hats and umbrellas. Enjoy the high ceilings and the sumptuous floors and between a cry of amazement and the other, head to the left. Here you will find the mosaic of a bull: tradition dictates that you should turn three times on the genitals of the bull by placing your right heel on them. Tourists do it all the time and people from Milan complain about this tradition that is quickly ruining the mosaic…you choose your faction!

One last note: all the shops here must look similar and their windows must have gold writings on a black background… a dictat of true style!

Additional information:

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milano, MI, Italia