Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is located on the north side of the square of the iconic Milan Cathedral and connects to Piazza della Scala. At the entrance on the side of the Milan Cathedral, there is a grand door that attracts a constant stream of visitors to explore the interior of the gallery. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a covered arcade named after King Vittorio Emanuele II, following the unification of Italy, and is considered one of the most beautiful commercial arcades in Europe. The arcade, designed in imitation of the classical commercial arcades in Paris, consists of two intersecting galleries in the shape of a cross, with a north-south length of 198 meters and an east-west length of 105 meters. The two glass-roofed corridors intersect in an octagonal space in the center, topped by a glass dome. Sunlight filters through the glass roof, illuminating the exquisite reliefs and frescoes below, casting a divine golden glow. Although initially met with some complaints from the citizens of Milan due to the partial destruction of ancient buildings, the arcade has since gained a good reputation after its completion. Today, the arcade welcomes tourists from around the world. Upon entering the arcade from the door on the side of the Milan Cathedral, one is greeted by a marble-paved gallery adorned with colorful mosaics symbolizing Italian unity and confidence. Many parts of the arcade feature emblems representing various Italian cities, such as the bull of Turin, the she-wolf of Rome, the lily of Florence, and the white background with red cross of Milan. Inside the arcade, there is a very famous bull mosaic; it is said that stepping on its key part with your heel and turning three times clockwise will bring good luck, and that spot has been worn into a hole. For shopping enthusiasts visiting Milan, this arcade is a must-visit destination. It houses well-known brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, which are familiar to Chinese people, and is surrounded by popular brand stores like H&M and Zara. The Prada boutique under the arcade is one of the largest and most beautifully displayed in Milan, with daily updated window displays that are a pleasure to admire from the outside. Opening hours are all year round, with the arcade open all day. Important tip: Be aware of pickpockets and keep an eye on your personal belongings.
