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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

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travel2000
travel2000
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Editor Pick

World's First Indoor Shopping Mall

  • October 28, 2009
  • Rated 4 of 5 by airynfaerie from St. Augustine, Florida
World's First Indoor Shopping Mall

One of Milan's most famous buildings is that of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Hailed as one of the world's first shopping malls, this structure is a must-see for shopper, architects, and history buffs alike. Noted by it's glass ceiling and arched entry ways, one glance into this hall of shops, makes you feel like you've stepped back in time to a more glamorous and prestigious shopping experience.

Located just off Milan's main plaza, Piazza Duomo, the Galleria, is an easy stop during a visit to this bustling city. Designedby Giuseppe Mengoni in 1861, and finished in 1877, this shopping center is sandwiched in between two of the city's other famous architectural wonders...the gothic cathedral and Teatro della Scala opera house. It's a wonderful connector for pedestrians between these sites and allows you to stay engrossed in beautiful decor throughout the entire passageway.

This four-story building is home to dozens of upscale shops from some of the world's famous fashion designers like Prada, Gucci, and Vuitton, as well as several high-end restaurants and cafes. As most of the places were out of our price range, we just enjoyed a walk through the lovely space, and of course a spin on the balls of the bull of Torino. Yes, that's right...one of the fun tourist things to do here is to find the mosaic design of Milan's neighboring competing city of Turin (Torino) whose symbol is the bull. Then put the heel of your foot on the bulls unmentionables... and spin! You'll notice right away that you're not the first one to do this, as a sizable indention has been left in the floor here.

• Piazza Duomo-Piazza della Scala
• Metro stop: Duomo
• free admission
• hours vary by shop

From journal A Day in Milan

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

  • February 24, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Dutchnatasja from Etten-Leur, Netherlands
The Galleria is one of the first buildings in Europe built in glass and iron. It is called, il salotto di Milano because it is the traditional meeting place of the Milanese. It offers a wide range of cafes and restaurants, such as the historical restaurant Savini. Also, there are fashion boutiques, and the most important bookshops in the city.

It's a great location to to look around the shops, all the top designers (Gucci, Prada, Armani, Max Mara) have shops here. Prada also has a large outlet in the Galleria. Then you can enjoy a meal, or drink, in one of the restaurants or bars and watch the chic Milanese go by.

How to get there?
Take the Metro 1 & 3 - Duomo

From journal Milan

Editor Pick

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

  • November 20, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by ManFriday from Copenhagen, Denmark
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Packed with elegant, expensive cafées, fashion stores, gaping tourists and milanese suits, the Galleria is one of Milano's central points. Dating back to 19th century, the magnificent building was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni (who, due to his apparent clumsiness on the scaffolding, never lived to see his work complete).

The Galleria also houses some of Milano's historical restaurants - Zucca overlooking Piazza Duomo and Il Salotto with its glass-covered winter terrase are two worth mentioning - altough the prices might not exactly be backpacker-friendly.

From journal Milano by Rain

Editor Pick

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

  • November 9, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by KJP from Dallas, Texas
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an elegant shopping mall lined with many cafes and high end shops. Savini, one of Milan's most famous restaurants, is also located here. The most distinctive feature of the galleria, which was constructed from 1865-1877, is the beautiful iron and glass dome. Part of an ambitious urban renewal project, the galleria was designed to link the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza della Scala.

This unique structure is a must-see if you visit Milan. There's something intriguing and "can't put your finger on it" captivating about this place. Maybe it's the combination of the 19th century atmosphere enhanced by the ultra-hip elegance of some of Milan's finest stores.

The shopping here is expensive, but we had a great time just strolling around, window shopping and people watching during our midday visit, when the crowd swells with locals taking a break from work.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is located in the Piazza del Duomo, and a visit to the galleria and the Duomo could be combined, making for an enjoyable morning or afternoon.

From journal Milan in October

Editor Pick

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

  • November 2, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by travel2000 from New York, New York
After you come down from the roof of the Duomo, stroll over to the Galleria. I love this space, take a good look at the mosaics of gold at each corner under the roof. This is the glass-topped tunnel-a shopping mall! Even on a grey day, the light is spectacular. There is a Prada store that tourists raid as well as pens, jewelry and other stores. I personally go see the Galleria and perhaps just window shop. The stores are expensive. Unless you want to spend top dollars admiring the space while sipping coffee, I would also miss the restaurants. Afterwards, cross over to La Scala, the famous opera house. Unless you can get in for a tour, there really is nothing special about the facade.

From journal Two Days in Milan

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