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 recognisable landmarks. Often referred to as il salotto di Milano, Milan’s drawing room, this elegant arcade links the city’s religious and cultural centres and remains a lively meeting place where history, architecture, and fashion come together beneath a vast glass canopy.

A Legacy of Ambition and Tragedy

The Galleria was designed in 1861 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni and built between 1865 and 1877, following the unification of Italy. The project was conceived as a patriotic statement, connecting Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala, 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 witnessed the opening. He died after falling from the scaffolding just one day before the inauguration, a story that still casts a poignant shadow over the building’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 its construction, the roof represented a major engineering achievement. It uses around 350 tonnes of iron and rises to 47 metres at the central dome. Four broad barrel vaults allow daylight to flood the interior, creating an airy and almost theatrical atmosphere.

The Mosaic Floors

The marble mosaic floors are among the most distinctive 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, 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 anticlockwise to bring good luck. The ritual is so popular that the mosaic needs regular restoration, making it one of Milan’s best known traditions.

Shopping and Luxury Icons

The Galleria remains one of the world’s most prestigious shopping addresses, 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 preserves 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

Classic shops such as Borsalino, established in 1883, continue to trade here. To maintain visual harmony, all shop signs follow the same design, gold lettering set against a black background.

Dining in Grand Surroundings

Dining inside the Galleria is as much about the setting as the cuisine.

• Camparino in Galleria opened in 1915 and is closely associated with the origins of the Campari aperitif, complete with Art Nouveau interiors.
• Savini Milano 1867 has hosted figures 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 refined dining with views into the central octagon.

Hidden Gems Above the Arcade

Highline Milano

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

Seven Stars Galleria

For a distinctive stay, Seven Stars Galleria offers seven suites overlooking the arcade. Opened in 2007, it combines modern technology with original frescoes and historic decorative details.

Practical Information for Visitors

The Galleria is a public thoroughfare and remains open 24 hours a day, making it a popular spot for evening strolls. Most shops operate from around 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.

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

Prices for food and drink are higher than elsewhere in the city, reflecting the historic surroundings and prime location. Even a simple coffee costs more here than on neighbouring streets.

Experiencing Milan Beyond the Galleria

A visit to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II fits naturally into a wider exploration of the city. For inspiration on nearby sights, 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 elegant space.