Overview:

: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a stunning place to behold. Located in the heart of Milan, Italy, the gallery is Italy’s oldest active shopping mall. It was built between 1865 and 1877, and was the world’s first shopping mall of its kind. It is named after the first king of a unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. Its iconic octagonal glass-vaulted dome is flanked by four wings. Each wing hosts some of the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle brands, including Prometeo, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. Its colorful interior is a feast for the eyes, with marble flooring, mosaics, and sculptures. The gallery also houses several restaurants and cafes. Moreover, it is one of Milan’s main attractions, with millions of visitors walking its beautiful galleries each year. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Italy
Prominent Features:

1. The Iron and Glass Structure: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a masterpiece of architecture, boasting an impressive iron and glass structure. The galleria was built between 1865 and 1877, and is one of the world's oldest shopping malls. 2. The Arcade: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is noted for its spectacular arcade. The arcade is made up of two stories, with the upper section coined the "Corridor of Light", due to its impressive glass roof. 3. La Scala Theatre: Located at the south end of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, directly opposite the arcade, is the legendary La Scala theatre. Well-known as one of the world's leading opera houses, it is a popular tourist destination. 4. Mosaic Floor: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to a spectacular mosaic floor, depicting the coats of arms of the cities of Milan, Turin, Florence, and the House Of Savoy. It is said to bring luck to those who spin on it with their heel. 5. Shops and Cafes: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has been a hub of fashion and luxury shopping for over a century, and is one of the most celebrated places for shopping in Milan. Its stores, boutiques and cafes are very popular amongst locals and tourists alike. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Italy.

History:

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy, is a historic shopping arcade that dates back to the late 19th century. It is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II opened to the public on November 6, 1877, after five years of construction. At the time, it was the largest shopping mall in Europe. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni, who won a competition for the project. It features a distinctive late-19th-century Italiante-style exterior and a spacious and airy interior made up of two large glass-domed halls, "Il Salotto Italiano" (The Italian Salon) and "Il Saloncino Inglese" (The English Salon). The layout of the Galleria is designed to create a “star-shaped” pattern, with four avenues intersecting in the center and radiating outward. The central square of the Galleria serves as an open-air piazza and hosts events such as concerts, theatrical performances, and special exhibitions. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to some of Italy’s most prestigious stores and fashion houses, including Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Ferragamo, Bulgari, and Armani. It also features a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. In addition to its role as a trendy shopping destination, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is also an important cultural center in Milan and Italy. It houses a museum dedicated to the history and development of the city, and it is culturally significant as a symbol of the unification of Italy. Today, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II continues to be one of the most popular destinations in Milan, attracting millions of visitors annually. It is considered a masterpiece of Italian architecture and is currently part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Park of Buen Retiro. Visit one of the famous monuments of Italy with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, commonly called Milan’s “Duomo”, is the world’s oldest shopping mall. 2. It was named after the first king of the newly unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. 3. Construction of the building began in 1865 and it was completed in 1877. 4. Inside the shopping centre, there are ceramic floor mosaics which illustrate the coat of arms of the four nations that participated in the unifying of Italy. 5. It is said that if you spin with your heel on the testicles of one of the symbols of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health, you will bring yourself good luck. 6. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has become Milan’s premiere shopping destination, hosting high-end fashion stores such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Bvlgari. 7. It has been called the “drawing room of Milan”. 8. It is home to the historical downtown cafe, located famously at the centre of the Galleria, Caffè Martini Ristorante. 9. The mall features a four-story glass-vaulted atrium that is capped at its center by a wide ornate dome. 10. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a Registered World Heritage Site. One of the historical monuments of Italy, it tells the story of a bygone era