1867 iron-and-glass arcade connecting Duomo to La Scala — Milan's drawing room. Prada flagship, historic cafes, and the most elegant shopping passage in Italy. The octagonal glass dome is 47 metres high. Spin on the Torino bull mosaic for luck.
Location
Centro Storico, Milano
Map
Insider Intel
Walk the length of the galleria from Duomo to La Scala (5 minutes). Stop at Camparino for an aperitivo at the original Campari bar. The mosaic floor in the octagon features the coats of arms of Italian cities — tradition says spinning three times on the Torino bull brings good luck. Look up at the iron and glass barrel vault. Window-shop the luxury brands without obligation.
Early morning for the architecture without crowds. Late afternoon for aperitivo at Camparino or Savini. Evening for people-watching when the Milanese promenade through. Christmas season for the decorations and lights.
Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and completed in 1867 — one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Mengoni fell from the roof and died days before the inauguration. The Galleria was bombed in WWII and restored. The historic cafes (Biffi, Savini, Camparino) are overpriced but part of the experience. Prada's flagship store occupies a prime corner. The Galleria has always been about seeing and being seen — it is Milan's public living room and has been for 150 years.