Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, affectionately nicknamed “il salotto di Milano” (Milan’s drawing room), is an elegant 19th-century shopping arcade, that's home to some of the most luxurious boutiques in Milan.

A Bit of History

Constructed between 1865 and 1877 by renowned architect Giuseppe Mengoni, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest shopping center in Italy. Named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, this stunning arcade, with its iconic glass dome, is one of Milan’s top landmarks.

Surprisingly, the Galleria wasn’t embraced right away. Locals initially opposed the project because a historic part of the city had to be demolished to make room for it. At the time, Italy was going through a difficult unification period, and Mengoni saw the Galleria as a way to bring people together. That’s why its mosaics are filled with patriotic symbols, meant to inspire unity. Once completed, it quickly became one of Milan’s most beloved meeting places.

Tucked between two other must-sees—il Duomo and Teatro alla Scala—the Galleria is a classic example of 19th-century arcade design. It even inspired Naples' Galeria Umberto I, which was finished about 10 years later.

Things to Do

At Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II you'll find luxury brand shops like Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and other high-end boutiques. But it's not all about fashion—there are also art galleries, souvenir stores, and even the oldest bookshop in Italy, Libreria Bocca.

Beyond shopping, the Galleria is also a foodie destination. Just steps away from the designer stores, you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants and historic cafés. One standout is Café Biffi, one of the oldest restaurants in Milan, which has been serving guests here since the 19th century.

Strolling down the grand passageway, don't forget to look up. The central dome features a stunning mosaic representing the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.

Fun Fact

Under the central dome, you'll spot a mosaic featuring the Savoy coat of arms and various animals that represent Italy’s major cities. The most famous one? A bull! Legend has it, if you place your right foot on the bull and spin around with your eyes closed, you'll get a dose of good luck. If you do this on December 31 at midnight, you'll be lucky for a whole year!