The Oldest Shopping Mall

Back in 1859, Milan decided to throw an international competition where 176 architects participated. Giuseppe Mengoni took first place and thanks to him we were able to understand what should be built next to the majestic cathedral, Il Duomo.

Now one of Milan's most famous landmarks, the Galleria was actually then named after the first king of Italy, who wanted to modernise the historic centre of Milan in the 1860s with what would become one of the first modern shopping malls in the world.

“go up to the rooftop and get a view of Duomo from the Aperol Spritz bar”

King Vittorio Emanuele II laid the first stone of the gallery himself in 1865, once the start of the construction took place. Though the Galleria was inaugurated 2 years after that in 1867, it was not actually finalised until 1877. This beauty was 12 years in the making! 

On the ground of the central octagonal, there are four mosaics portraying the coat of arms of the four cities of the Kingdom of Italy (Turin, Florence, Rome and Milan). Tradition says that if a person spins around three times with a heel on the testicles of the bull from the Turin coat of arms, this will bring good luck.

If you are anything like me and can’t help but notice every detail, you will also quickly see the murals painted above and around the lunette - allegories of the four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

Once you are done with your walk, (though honestly not so budget friendly) I would suggest you stop at the Marchesi 1824 for a sweet treat (hidden away on the first floor) or go up to the rooftop and get a view of Duomo from the Aperol Spritz bar.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

P.za del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI