The Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade is the number one tourist destination in Milan. Crowds head here to admire the unique architecture of the indoor shopping gallery and to take a spin on the bull's testicles (a mosaic of a bull in the pavement), which is said to bring good luck.

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The arcade is a symbol of Milan's ostentatious luxury and a popular meeting place. It has also become the model for many similar indoor shopping arcades around the world.

The monumental indoor avenue

The Victor Emmanuel II Gallery is not actually an arcade in the true sense of the word. Rather, it is a pedestrian shopping avenue covered by a monumental glass roof and surrounded by houses with exhibition facades.

Plans for the shopping arcade were made immediately after the unification of Italy and the arcade was intended to serve as a national and political monument. It was built in a lavish Neo-Renaissance style and completed in 1867.

The plan of the arcade is in the shape of a Latin cross and the entrances are designed in the style of ancient Roman arches. The longer arm of the passage measures 200 metres, the shorter one 100 metres, and both are covered with a glass roof. The central part of the gallery is covered by a 40-metre high glass dome.

Don't forget to step on the bull

The floor under the central dome is decorated with mosaics representing important Italian cities.

Turin is represented by a mosaic of a bull, and a tradition with unknown origins says that if you step on a bull's testicles with your right heel, push hard into the ground and turn three times on your own axis, good luck will follow.

Perhaps this tradition has its origins in the age-old rivalry between Milan and Turin, but in any case, if you believe in such tales, then don't forget to roll on the bull's genitals!

Shops, restaurants, cafes

The ground floor of the Victor Emmanuel II Gallery is occupied by shops of the world's most luxurious brands such as Prada, Versace and Louis Vuitton. There are also a few more upmarket cafes and restaurants, but if you like to sit in the heart of the action and in the middle of one of Italy's most famous monuments, then you simply must have an espresso here.

On the other floors of the arcade you'll find offices and even apartments.

Accommodation in the arcade

If you're not so money-conscious and want to stay in the most desirable locations, then choose a luxury 5* hotel Galleria Vik Milano with windows directly onto the shopping arcade.

How to get to the arcade?

Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II connects Piazza del Duomo with the square in front of La Scala Opera House, so it's right in the centre of Milan. The gallery passage is open 24 hours a day as it is effectively a public street.

The shops and restaurants inside usually open around 10:00 to 19:00 or 20:00.

Nearest metro station:

• Duomo - 50 metres from the arcade, lines 1 and 3 cross here

Nearest tram stops:

• Duomo - about 150 metres from the arcade (south entrance), lines 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19
• Teatro alla Scala - approx. 100 metres from the arcade (north entrance), line 1

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