Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Milan's Belle Epoque shopping arcade
Noteworthy for: Known as Milan’s "solotto" (drawing room), Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has been the preferred rendevous of the local elite for over a century.

Tipple of choice: Enjoy an early evening aperitivo of sparkling prosecco in Zucca and watch the great and the good of Milan stalk by.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a cross-shaped and glass-covered Belle Epoque arcade connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and opened in 1878, the gallery has an enormous triumphal entry arch leading onto four “arms” lined with glamorous stores, cafés and bars, redolent with the arcade’s genteel 19th century atmosphere. Swarovski, Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton share floor space with traditional Milanese cafès Zucca, Biffi and Il Savini, some of the city’s best-loved eateries.

The floor of the galleria is covered with mosaics of the signs of the zodiac. Right under the 40-metre central glass cupola lies a mosaic bull; legend has it that you are guaranteed a lifetime of happiness by standing on its testicles and spinning on your heels. The glorious friezes below the glass roof depict the military symbols of four continents, the arts and sciences.