A Travel Guide to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Welcome to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping arcade and one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks. Often called il salotto di Milano, Milan’s drawing room, this elegant passageway connects the city’s religious and cultural centers and remains a lively gathering place where history, architecture, and high fashion meet beneath a sweeping glass roof.

A Legacy of Ambition and Tragedy

The Galleria was designed in 1861 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni and built between 1865 and 1877, shortly after the unification of Italy. The project was intended as a patriotic statement, linking Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala and bringing together faith, culture, and civic life.

It was named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, who laid the first stone in March 1865. Tragically, Mengoni never lived to see the official opening. He died after falling from the scaffolding just one day before the inauguration, a story that continues to add a poignant layer to the Galleria’s history.

Architectural Grandeur Under Glass

The Galleria is a Neo Renaissance, four storey double arcade formed by two glass vaulted arms that intersect beneath a central octagon.

The Iron and Glass Roof

At the time of construction, the roof was a remarkable engineering achievement. It uses around 350 tonnes of iron and rises to 47 metres at the central dome. Four wide barrel vaults allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and elegant atmosphere throughout the arcade.

The Mosaic Floors

The marble mosaic floors are among the Galleria’s most recognisable features. Beneath the dome, four large mosaics depict the coats of arms of the historic capitals of the Kingdom of Italy, the she wolf of Rome, the lily of Florence, Milan’s red cross, and the bull of Turin.

The Famous Spinning Bull Tradition

One mosaic in particular, the bull representing Turin, attracts a constant crowd. According to local tradition, visitors place their right heel in the worn indentation and spin three times counter clockwise to bring good luck. The ritual is so popular that the mosaic requires regular restoration, making it one of Milan’s most well known customs.

Shopping and Luxury Icons

The Galleria remains one of the world’s most prestigious shopping destinations, home to flagship boutiques from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Giorgio Armani.

Prada Galleria 1913

The original Prada boutique opened here in 1913. Founded by Mario Prada, it still retains its historic interiors, including mahogany shelving designed by a British architect. In 1919, Prada became official supplier to the Italian Royal Household, a distinction reflected in its logo.

Historic Boutiques

Historic shops such as Borsalino, established in 1883, continue to operate within the arcade. To preserve visual harmony, all shop signs follow the same format, gold lettering set against a black background.

Dining in Grand Surroundings

Dining inside the Galleria is as much about the setting as it is about the food.

• Camparino in Galleria opened in 1915 and is closely linked to the origins of the Campari aperitif, featuring elegant Art Nouveau interiors.
• Savini Milano 1867 has welcomed icons such as Maria Callas, Giuseppe Verdi, and Charlie Chaplin.
• Biffi Caffè dates back to 1867 and was founded by the royal family’s pastry chef.
• Cracco offers fine dining with views directly into the central octagon.

Hidden Gems Above the Arcade

Highline Milano

Highline Milano is a 250 metre rooftop walkway offering panoramic views of the city, including the Duomo’s golden Madonnina. Access is via Via Silvio Pellico 2 or by elevator from inside the Galleria.

Seven Stars Galleria

For a truly exclusive stay, Seven Stars Galleria offers seven suites overlooking the arcade. Opened in 2007, it blends modern technology with the building’s original frescoes and decorative details.

Practical Information for Visitors

The Galleria functions as a public passageway and remains open 24 hours a day, making it ideal for evening walks. Most shops are open from around 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.

It is located on the north side of Piazza del Duomo and is easily accessible by Milan Metro. Take the M1 Red Line or M3 Yellow Line to Duomo station.

Food and drink prices are higher than elsewhere in the city, reflecting the historic surroundings and central location. Even a simple coffee costs more here than on nearby streets.

Experiencing Milan Beyond the Galleria

A visit to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II fits seamlessly into a broader exploration of the city. For ideas on nearby landmarks, neighbourhoods, and cultural highlights, see this guide to Things to do in Milan.

Walking through the Galleria feels like stepping into a cathedral of commerce, where light filters through glass, footsteps echo on marble, and Milan’s past and present meet in one refined space.