Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of Milan’s most well-known landmarks and Italy’s oldest operational shopping gallery. To commemorate the first Italian king, the Galleria bears his name and is housed within a four-story arcade in the heart of town. Architect Giuseppe Mengoni conceived it in 1861 and completed it between 1865 and 1877.

Quick facts

• Name: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Location: Milan, Italy
• Built 1877
• Type of attraction: Architectural/Emporium
• Ticket price: Free

Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton are just a few of the luxury labels you’ll find in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Numerous well-decorated restaurants can be found there, including some of Milan’s oldest, like Café Biffi, which opened in 1867.

Visitors are suprised to see the McDonalds in the  Gallery. However, in order to mix in with the surrounding style and designs, the fast-food restaurant has black columns and gold decorations. There’s a nice terrace where you can relax with a cheap drink and take in the ambience of this beautiful building.

Around the galleries, you’ll see a spectacular mosaic of continents from Asia to Africa to Europe to North and South America.

Galleria is known as “Milan’s drawing room” (il salotto di Milano) because of the numerous businesses and its importance as a meeting and dining location for Milanese residents in general.

Interesting facts about Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Here are some interesting facts about this amazing historic landmark:

• The Gallery is an epitome of elegance and style. In order to maintain its visual identity and style, all establishments inside must follow certain rules, such as blending their brand into a pattern of golden letters on a black background.
• World famous brand Prada started as a luggage shop called Fratelli Prada in the gallery, where the original shop still stands.
• King Vittorio Emanuele II is said to have laid the first stone of the gallery himself in 1865, starting the building’s construction.

Read more: Interesting facts about Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II