Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the oldest commercial galleries in Milan. It is located in the city center between the Duomo Cathedral and La Scala Theatre. The name was given in honor of the first king of united Italy, beloved by the people. The author of the project and its implementation is the Italian sculptor Giuseppe Mengoni. His design was selected from 176 entries in an international competition held in 1861 to improve the temple square and surrounding streets. Construction took place in 1865-1877. Mengon did not live to see the completion of the work - shortly before the end of the work, he fell from the scaffolding and died. It still remains a mystery whether it was suicide or an accident.
Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II This is the intersection of two streets with shops and restaurants under a vaulted glass roof. The building has the shape of a Latin cross with an octagonal center. The length of the street connecting the Duomo and La Scala squares is 196 meters, the street crossing it is 105.5 meters. The entrance to the gallery is decorated with a beautiful triumphal arch from Piazza Duomo. In the center of the cross there is a decorative mosaic with allegorical images of the 4 continents (Europe, Africa, America, Asia) and agriculture, industry, science and art.
Under the dome, on the mosaic floor, the coats of arms of Rome, Turin, Milan and Florence proudly flaunt.
The coat of arms of Turin is especially popular among tourists, because according to legend, if you turn the heel three times in its intimate place, your wish will come true.
The 47-meter-high glass dome creates the impression of endless space and open sky:
The style of the gallery is distinguished by grotesque paintings, caryatids, semicircular windows and pilasters. Under the dome, on the facades of the buildings, there are statues of famous Italian artists and scientists.
Since 2015, tourists can walk along the roof of the gallery (you need to walk 250 meters). There are cafes and panoramic squares that offer unusual views of Milan. There is also a cinema.
The gallery is a large shopping center, but its prices are high. There are stores of famous brands here - Prada, Gucci, Rizzoli, Dolce&Gabbana, Versace, Louis Vuitton, etc. There are cafes, restaurants and other shops. Let's highlight some of them: restaurant Savini, cafe Biffi, cafe-bar Campari, bookstores Bocca and Rizzoli, historical prints store Centenari, boutique Mejana (women's leather bags), Fratelli Prada (clothing), Vigano (jewelry, costume jewelry, fashion accessories), Cade (men's shirts and accessories), etc.
In Piazza Duomo, in front of the central (south) entrance to the gallery, you will see a statue of King Vittorio Emanuele II on horseback:
The northern entrance to the gallery is located on La Scala.
Address of the gallery Vittorio Emanuele II: Piazza del Duomo. The gallery is located near the Milan Cathedral and is a kind of bridge between the cathedral square (Piazza del Duomo) and the square in front of the La Scala theater (Piazza della Scala).
You can enter the gallery every day, around the clock. Opening hours for trade and catering establishments are 10:00-22:00.
Admission to the gallery is free.
Going up to the roof of the gallery is paid. Ticket price: for adults - 12 euros, for children 7-14 years old and over 65 years old - 10 euros, under 7 years old - free.
How to get there:
- red M1 and yellow M3 metro lines - stop Duomo;
- by tram №1, 2 or by bus №61 - stop Teatro Alla Scala/Via Grossi/Duomo.
© 2019-2024 All rights reserved
Book your hotel cheaply!
Travel cheaply!
