The glass dome of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy
© PhillipMinnis/Getty Image
Glass with class. The glass dome of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy
Designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni and completed in 1877, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy, is one of the world's oldest and most famous shopping arcades. Located between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala, it features a stunning glass-and-iron roof and an elegant, octagonal layout. Affectionately known as 'Milan's living room,' the Galleria is home to high-end boutiques, historic cafés such as Caffè Biffi and Camparino in Galleria and renowned restaurants.
Over the years, the Galleria has undergone several restorations, including major projects in the 1950s to repair damage caused by World War II, in the 1980s to preserve the original structure, and most recently in preparation for the 2015 Expo. One of the most iconic features is the bull mosaic set into the floor, around which visitors spin for good luck. Among its notable features are four mosaics representing Europe, Asia, Africa and America. It remains a symbol of Milan's elegance and cultural sophistication, attracting locals and tourists.
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