Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - History, Art, & Luxury Shopping
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has everything that makes Milan special: fashion, culture, art, history, and great food. The building is the oldest shopping mall in the city and a must-see for anyone who wants to experience Italian culture while shopping.
The landmark is one of the best places to shop in Milan, with many luxury brands in watches, jewelry, and high fashion. These include Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.
Serving as a path from Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala, the mall is also a popular place for locals and tourists. This earned it the nickname Il Salotto di Milano (Milan's living room or Milan's drawing room).
Aside from being an excellent place for shopping, the mall's beautiful architecture, central location, and fine dining restaurants in and around it make it a crowd favorite.
History
Before 1861, Italy was divided into multiple states and isles. Key contributors to the unification process included King Vittorio Emanuele II, Camillo Benso, and Giuseppe Garibaldi. They are often referred to as the 'fathers of the fatherland'.
Following the union, the mall was built in the city's center to improve Piazza del Duomo. It was named after Vittorio Emanuele II (Victor Emmanuel II), the first King of the unified kingdom.
It took 12 years to build, with architect Giuseppe Mengoni in charge. The construction was completed in 1877.
Architecture
The building's architecture has neoclassical and Renaissance revival elements. Each of the four entrances has an elaborate arch leading into hallways with glass vaulted arcades. The arcades are connected by a glass dome over an octagon in the middle.
The most striking feature of the building is its iron and glass roof. This allows natural light to flood the building, creating a bright, airy atmosphere. The size of the glass and iron roof made it unique when the building was finished.
Its large central dome is 47 meters above the floor and 36 meters in diameter. It has beautiful wall paintings and statues which show its rich history and modern luxury.
The floors have beautiful mosaic patterns that showcase the coats of arms for Milan, Turin, and Florence. These details add to the historical charm of the mall.
Interestingly, a tradition has formed around the image of a bull on the floor close to the mall's center. Spinning three times on the bull is supposed to bring you good luck. You're likely to find tourist at this spot waiting for their turn to do the 'bull spin'.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to hosting some of the world's best high-end fashion stores and restaurants, the main hall connects two of Milan's most popular places. The world-famous Duomo di Milano and Piazza della Scala.
Duomo di Milano
Duomo di Milano is a great example of Gothic architecture with detailed carvings and sculptures. Its exterior has many 19th-century statues which offer a good insight into the building style.
Piazza della Scala
Piazza della Scala is a square in the heart of Milan. It houses Teatro alla Scala, the city's famous opera house, which has hosted performances since 1812. The square also has a statue of one of Italy's most celebrated figures, Leonardo da Vinci.
Ferrari Store
Ferrari fans will be happy to know that the Ferrari store in Milan is right next to the mall's east entrance. Here, you can try a session in one of the F1 car simulators and enjoy a drive around your favorite race track.
Notable Fine Dining Restaurants
Camparino
Camparino opened its doors in 1915 and is known for classic Italian drinks. The restaurant's 20th-century look complements the mall's beauty. Its outdoor sitting area is next to the entrance facing the Piazza del Duomo. This allows guests to admire the Duomo's beauty while enjoying their meal.
Savani Milano
Like Camparino, Savani Milano serves great Italian cuisine. It started business in 1882 and still proudly aligns itself with the Belle Époque period.
The restaurant has been a popular place for many of Italy's well-known figures and famous foreigners visiting Milan. People who have dined at Savini Milano include Henry Ford, Carla Fracci, and Frank Sinatra.
Biffi Café
Biffi Café opened its doors before the mall was built and moved into the building shortly after its completion. Originally a bakery by Paolo Biffi, the king's baker, its pastries were popular among the rich people in Milan.
Today, Biffi offers a fine dining menu with seafood and meat dishes to delight their customers.
Hotels
Visitors looking to stay close to the mall have good options. The mall is close to some of Milan's best hotels, like Galleria Vik Milano, the Bulgari Hotel, and the Mandarin Oriental. Each of these provide a unique experience.
Galleria Vik Milano is in the same building as the mall. It combines modern design with the city's Gothic charm, giving guests the perfect balance between comfort and historical charm.
The Bulgari Hotel, on the other hand, gives guests a completely different experience. Nestled in a garden in a quiet part of town, the hotel offers an escape from the busy city.
Beyond being close to the mall, the Mandarin Oriental's beautiful interiors and wonderful service make a case for being the hotel to select when visiting Milan.
Frequently Asked Questions about the mall
Why is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II famous?
Besides its 19th-century architecture and historical significance, the building is famous for being Milan's oldest active shopping mall.
How to visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II?
The mall is in the center of Milan. You can get there by private ride, train, or taxi. The mall is at the meeting point of two main streets and should be easy to get to from any part of the city.
What is the oldest shopping mall in the world?
Many consider Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II the world's oldest shopping mall. However, a case can be made for the Royal Exchange, depending on how you define a mall. Its provision for retail outlets back in the 16th century may qualify it as the oldest mall in the world.
What shops are in the building?
You'll find various Luxury fashion, watches, perfumes, and cosmetics shops in the mall. Some of the most popular ones include Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Bulgari, Chanel, and Dior.
