Italy’s oldest and most iconic shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a must-see for any visitor to Milan. Originally built in 1867, today the Galleria is home to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands, as well as a host of restaurants, cafes, and bars. In this guide, we’ll take you through the history of the Galleria and what to see and do when you visit.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy and Its History
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a beautiful shopping arcade in the center of Milan, Italy. It was built in the 19th century and is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy.
The galleria is made up of two glass-roofed arcades that intersect at a central octagonal dome. The businesses in the galleria range from high-end shops to cafes and restaurants.
It is also home to the famous La Scala opera house. The history of the Galleria is as fascinating as its architecture. Construction began in 1865 and took nearly 30 years to complete.
The Galleria was designed to be a symbol of Milan’s wealth and power, and it quickly became a cultural hub for the city’s elite. Today, the Galleria remains one of Milan’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Address: P.za del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
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What to See at the Galleria Vittorio
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks. Within its walls, you’ll find some of the best shops, restaurants, and attractions in the city. Here’s a guide to the best of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
1. Galleria Vittorio Dome
One of the galleria’s most iconic features is its central octagonal dome. The dome is adorned with mosaics depicting the symbols of Milan: a red cross on a white background (the flag of Milan), a green serpent (the symbol of Lombardy), and a gold bull (the symbol of the Visconti family). If you look up at the dome, you’ll also see frescoes depicting scenes from the Risorgimento, Italy’s struggle for independence.
2. Shops, Boutiques, and Restaurants
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to some of Milan’s most prestigious shops and boutiques. If you’re looking for high-end fashion, you’ll find everything from Gucci to Prada within its walls. There are also several jewelers and luxury watchmakers, as well as department stores like La Rinascente.
In addition to its impressive selection of shops, the galleria also boasts some of Milan’s best restaurants. For traditional Italian cuisine, head to Trattoria della Pesa or Hostaria Bruzia. Or if you’re in the mood for something lighter, try one of the galleria’s many cafes or gelaterias.
3. Manzoni Theatre
No visit to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II would be complete without seeing the Manzoni Theatre. The theatre was built in 1897 and is one of Italy’s oldest still in operation. It’s best known for being the setting for Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Aida, but it also hosts a variety of other performances throughout the year.
Address: Via Alessandro Manzoni, 40, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
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How to Get There
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most iconic shopping destinations in Milan. The huge glass-roofed structure is home to a range of high-end boutiques, department stores, and restaurants. What’s more, the gallery is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to reach on foot or by public transport. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about getting to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The easiest way to reach the gallery is by Metro. The stop closest to the gallery is Duomo, which is served by lines M1 and M3. From Duomo, it is a short walk to the gallery entrance on Via Dante.
If you are coming from elsewhere in the city, you can also take tram line 16 or bus line 94. Both stop right outside the gallery entrance. Once you’re inside, you’ll find an array of shops and restaurants to explore.
The Best Time to Visit
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most iconic landmarks in Milan, and it is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the light shines through the glass roof and casts a beautiful glow on the mosaic floor. The shopkeepers are just opening up, and there is a feeling of excitement in the air as the day begins.
As the morning goes on, the Galleria becomes more crowded, but it is still a wonderful place to stroll and people-watch. By late afternoon, the sun begins to set and the light shining through the glass roof turns golden. This is a magical time to be in the Galleria, and it is well worth staying until sunset.
Nearby Attractions
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Milan. Located in the center of the city, it is a large shopping mall that is home to some high-end stores and restaurants. Visitors to the Galleria can also enjoy several other attractions nearby, including Teatro alla Scala, Duomo di Milano, and Castello Sforzesco.
1. Teatro alla Scala
Just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This beautiful glass-roofed shopping mall is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Built in 1867, the Galleria is home to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands, as well as some cafes and restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy a spot of people-watching from the balconies that overlook the central atrium.
Address: Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
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2. Duomo di Milano
The Milan Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Italy and the fifth largest in the world. It is a Gothic masterpiece with a marble façade and intricate details. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for stunning views of the city.
Address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
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3. Castello Sforzesco
The Castello Sforzesco is a castle in Milan, Italy that was built in the 15th century. It is located near the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
The castle has a long history, and it was once the residence of the dukes of Milan. Today, it houses a museum with a collection of art and artifacts from the city’s past. The Castello Sforzesco is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, and it is worth a visit if you are in Milan.
Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
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Insider Tips for visiting the Galleria Vittorio
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most iconic landmarks in Milan, and a visit to this magnificent structure is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Here are six insider tips from locals on how to make the most of your visit to the Galleria:
- Start your visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. This is especially important if you want to take photos without dozens of people in the frame.
- Make sure to look up as well as down while you’re exploring the Galleria. The beautiful glass roof and intricate mosaics are worth admiring.
- Pop into one of the many cafes for a quick break and people-watching. Make sure to try a classic Italian coffee or an Aperol spritz while you’re there!
- Take some time to browse the shops, even if you’re not planning on buying anything. From luxury brands to local specialties, there’s something for everyone in the Galleria.
- If you get hungry, there are plenty of great places to eat in the Galleria. From casual pizzerias to Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
- Finally, don’t forget to enjoy simply strolling through this incredible space. The Galleria is a truly unique place, and savoring every moment is part of the experience!
In Conclusion
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, beloved by locals and tourists alike. This historic shopping mall is located in the heart of Milan and is home to several high-end stores, restaurants, and cafes. If you’re looking for a truly unique shopping experience, be sure to add Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to your list!
