Attraction
Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
Milan's Gothic cathedral, begun in 1386 and finished only in the 20th century, with marble spires, a gilded Madonnina and walkable rooftop terraces.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Italy's oldest active shopping arcade, a glass-roofed 19th-century gallery linking Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic shopping arcade
- Area
- Duomo, Milan, Italy
Good to know
- Free entry
- Covered walkway
- Cafés and restaurants
- Luxury shops
Why we recommend it
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Milan's covered drawing room, and almost every visitor walks through it at some point. Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni in 1861 and built between 1865 and 1877, it is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of united Italy, and it is the country's oldest shopping arcade still in use. Two glass-vaulted galleries cross at a central octagon under a great iron and glass dome, connecting Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala.
Look up first. The arched roof, the painted lunettes and the four-storey facades with their stucco and statues are the real attraction, especially in the octagon. Then look down: the floor mosaics show the coats of arms of Milan, Turin, Florence and Rome. Tradition says that spinning on your heel three times on the bull of Turin brings good luck, and the habit has worn a hole in the mosaic that has had to be repaired more than once.
The shops are mostly luxury fashion houses, jewellers and long-established names, including Borsalino hats, which has been in the arcade since 1883. Historic bars and restaurants line the arcade too. The Camparino at the Duomo entrance has been serving since 1915 and is a classic spot for a Campari, and the Biffi café dates back to 1867. Prices at the table service cafés are high, so many people simply stand at a bar counter for an espresso, which is cheaper and very Milanese.
The Galleria is open around the clock as a public thoroughfare, and entry is free. Early morning, before the shops open, is the best time for photographs without crowds, and in the evening the lit dome is a fine sight. At Christmas a large decorated tree usually stands in the octagon. Allow 20 to 30 minutes simply to stroll through, longer if you plan to shop or stop for a drink. It is flat and step-free, so easy with pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Use the Duomo metro stop on lines M1 and M3. The cathedral is directly opposite the main entrance, La Scala faces the northern arch across Piazza della Scala, and the Palazzo Marino, Milan's city hall, stands on the same square.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II FAQs
Is the Galleria free to visit?
Yes. It is a public arcade and you can walk through at any time without a ticket.
When was the Galleria built?
It was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni in 1861 and built between 1865 and 1877.
What is the bull mosaic tradition?
Spinning on your heel three times on the bull in Turin's coat of arms is said to bring good luck.
Where can I get a drink in the Galleria?
The Camparino at the Duomo entrance and the Biffi café are two historic options; standing at the bar is cheaper than table service.
What is the best time to visit?
Early morning for quiet photographs, or the evening when the dome is lit.
Is it accessible?
Yes. The arcade is flat and step-free, with entrances at street level.
How do I get there?
Take metro line M1 or M3 to Duomo; the main entrance is on the north side of the cathedral square.
What is nearby?
The Duomo, La Scala and the Palazzo Marino are all next to the arcade.