The Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping Arcade is Milan’s number one tourist attraction. Crowds flock here to admire the unique architecture of the covered shopping arcade and to spin on the bull’s testicles (a mosaic of a bull in the paving), which is said to bring good luck.

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The arcade is a symbol of Milan’s opulent luxury and a popular meeting place. It has also served as a model for many similar indoor shopping arcades around the world.

A monumental covered boulevard

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is not actually a shopping arcade in the strict sense of the word. It is more of a pedestrian shopping boulevard covered by a monumental glass roof and flanked by buildings with ornate façades.

Plans for the construction of the shopping arcade were drawn up immediately after the unification of Italy, and the arcade was intended to serve as a national and political monument. It is built in a grand Neo-Renaissance style and was completed in 1867.

The arcade’s floor plan is shaped like a Latin cross, and the entrances are designed in the style of ancient Roman arches. The longer arm of the arcade measures 200 metres, the shorter 100 metres, and both are covered by a glass roof. The central part of the arcade is covered by a 40-metre-high glass dome.

Don’t forget to step on the bull

The floor beneath the central dome is adorned with mosaics depicting major Italian cities.

Turin is represented by a mosaic of a bull, and a tradition of unknown origin holds that if you step on the bull’s testicles with your right heel, press down firmly into the ground and spin round three times on the spot, good luck will follow you.

Perhaps this tradition has its roots in the age-old rivalry between Milan and Turin; in any case, if you believe in such tales, don’t forget to do a spin on the bull’s genitals!

Shops, restaurants, cafés

The ground floor of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to shops selling the world’s most luxurious brands, such as Prada, Versace and Louis Vuitton. You’ll also find several upmarket cafés and restaurants here, but if you like sitting right in the thick of things and in the heart of one of Italy’s most famous landmarks, then you simply must have your espresso right here.

On the upper floors of the arcade, you’ll find offices and even flats.

Accommodation in the arcade

If money is no object and you want to stay in the most sought-after locations, then choose a luxury 5* hotel Galleria Vik Milano with windows looking directly out onto the shopping arcade.

• 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to stay in? Take a look at our guide to the best neighbourhoods and hotels.

How do you get to the arcade?

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II connects Piazza del Duomo with the square in front of La Scala opera house and is therefore situated right in the centre of Milan. The gallery is open 24 hours a day, as it is effectively a public street.

The shops and restaurants inside are usually open from around 10:00 until 19:00 or 20:00.

Nearest metro station:

• Duomo– 50 metres from the arcade; lines 1 and 3 intersect here

Nearest tram stops:

• Duomo– approx. 150 metres from the arcade (south entrance), lines 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19
• Teatro alla Scala– approx. 100 metres from the arcade (north entrance), line 1

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