Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II

Located between the Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scala, Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II, also called Salotto Di Milano, is a major shopping arcade in Milan. Built in 1865-1867, it is Italy’s oldest shopping arcade. The Galleria incorporates some of the most luxurious modern boutiques in Milan, like Prada, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, as well as some of the oldest shops and restaurants in Milan, such as Biffi Caffè (founded in 1867 by Paolo Biffi, pastry chef to the monarch), the Savini restaurant, Borsalino hat-shop (1883) and the Art Nouveau classic Camparino.

The Galleria’s architecture is itself an attraction, with two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octagon covering the street connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza del Scala. The street is covered with an arching glass and cast iron dome, under which is a mosaic that depicts multiple animals in the form of the most important cities in Italy. It is believed that the person who steps on the bull on December 31st will enjoy luck for the entire year.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

Best of Milan Walking Tour

Explore the best of Milan on this walking tour. Skip the line at the Santa Maria delle Grazie cathedral and view Leonarda da Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper.” Then explore the Teatro alla Scala, the Duomo di Milano, the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II, the Castello Sforzesco, the Arco della Pace and the Parco Sempione. Finally, stroll through the fashion district, and check out other popular spots with the locals.