Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

About Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Milan is all about the unique art, culture, and intriguing history that draw hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. There’s a reason it’s called the shopping capital of Italy. Filled with dozens of fashion brands, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a paradise for shopaholics. One such iconic spot for shopping in Milan is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. One of the world’s oldest shopping malls, dating back to the 19th century, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is famous for its historical significance. 

It’s not an ordinary shopping mall. Home to luxury brands and gourmet eateries, this shopping gallery has the finest collection of jewelry, watches, books, art, and souvenirs. Many world-famous shopping brands, including Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, and Giorgio Armani, are found here. You don’t have to cough up the cash for expensive stuff, though. Just pay a visit to witness the historical charm of the mall and its magnificent architecture.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a double-arcade building boasting a mix of Renaissance and Baroque-style architecture. The most striking feature of this mall is the glass and iron dome, which is around 50 meters above the floor and creates a sense of an open, airy space. Inside the gallery, you will find two walkways connected by the central dome. Each wing takes you to the world of fashion, art, and luxury. 

As you step into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, you will notice the breathtaking mosaic floors featuring a very intricate design with images, unique patterns, and symbols. There’s also a famous bull mosaic, which is believed to bring good luck if you spin on it thrice. On the upper floors, you will find windows featuring delicate stonework. These windows add to the timeless appeal of the mall. This floor also features beautifully decorated balconies that give you a 360-degree view of the crowd below.

History of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele was built between 1861 and 1865 by Guiseppe Mengoni, a famous Italian architect. The king laid the first stone. The mall is named after the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. Unfortunately, Guiseppe didn’t survive to see the museum’s opening. While giving the final touches, he fell from the upper floors and died. Some say it was an accident, while others believe it was a suicide, as he couldn’t handle the criticism for his work. 

The mall once served as a gathering place for famous people, including writers, musicians, and artists of the time. It was severely damaged during World War II, especially the iron glass roof. Since then, it’s been restored quite a few times, with the latest renovation in 2015, which also marks the 150th anniversary of this historic beauty.

Tips for your visit to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Here are a few key pointers to keep in mind before visiting Galleria Vittorio Emanuele:

• Visit Duomo and witness the Gothic architecture after you are done shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. 
• Piazza della Scala is another location close to the gallery. Here, you will find the statue of the world-famous artist Leonardo da Vinci.
• Grab a bite at a popular restaurant near the shopping gallery. You can try Savani Milano, Biffi Cafe, and Camparino.
• The highlights of the mall are the mosaic floor, dome, and sculptures. Take your time to explore the intricate details of these segments.
• Get a souvenir from one of the high-end stores. If that’s too pricey, you can skip the shopping and focus on capturing the Milanese architecture.
• Morning hours are the quietest, with fewer people. If you want a rich experience without the crowd, the morning is the best time to explore the mall. Late evening is also a good time to enjoy the beautiful lighting.

How to Arrive at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Getting to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is quite easy, as the mall is located in the center of the city, near Duomo and Piazza della Scala. Here’s how you can get here.

By Metro: Take Line 1 and Line 3 and stop at the Duomo station. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is opposite the cathedral.

By Tram: Enjoy the historical vibe of Milan on a tram. Multiple tram routes cover the Duomo station. You can take trams 1, 2, 3, 12, 16, 19, and 27.

By Bus: Bus Lines 54, 60, 73, and 84 stop at Duomo station. 

You can also book a taxi or drive your car to the Duomo. The mall is within walking distance of popular tourist spots in Central Milan.