Galleria di Corso Vittorio Emanuele II

Did you see that huge arch at the corner of the square? It is one of the four entrances to the Gallery, if it rains and you walk through it, you will arrive straight to Duomo square without getting wet!
 
But why does a gallery have 4 entrances? Actually, because it is a cross. If you walk around these beautiful marble floors (if it rains be careful to not slip!) you will see – half way through the gallery both on your left and right – another two openings. Furthermore, by lifting your gaze you will see a spectacular iron and glass dome, 50 meters high – like a 16-floor building!
 
The unlucky architect that built it (Giuseppe Mengoni) fell down from up there the opening day and he suddenly died! Maybe it is just a legend, he probably didn’t fall by accident, but being disappointed by the King’s (Vittorio Emanuele II) absence he intentionally threw himself down! Indeed, as you know, 150 years ago mobiles and e-mails did not exist, and the king – living in Naples and being very sick – couldn’t inform Mengoni of his absence. Everyone thought the king did not appreciate the masterpiece for which, more than 1000 labourers per day worked!
 
Anyway, don’t worry about this story and continue to admire the decorations on the floor… Did you see? There is a bull, the symbol of Turin… Another legend has it that if you can turn three times only keeping your right foot heel down on the “balls” of the bull, you will be in luck! Try to do it, but don’t fall down!
 
For almost a century the gallery was called the living room of the city because here people met together to talk about politics, business or just to have a chat… Then the Second World War bombings destroyed a great part of it, but it was rebuilt just like it used to be.
Once outside, don’t forget to admire triumphal arch that takes you to the entrance Duomo square, it is magnificent!
 
If you want to have a short break, be careful because you are in one of the most expensive areas of the city… You are in Milan city centre, the most tourist and expensive zone… So take our advice to avoid any unpleasant surprises, both in terms of spending and quality!
 
If it is lunch time or time for a snack, and you don’t want to waste time, you should stop and have a panzerotto at Luini, in Via Santa Redegonda. You can stop in Via san Paolo, 15 where you will find the Antica Focacceria San Francesco: high-quality Sicilian delicacies, perfect for a quick and tasty lunch.
Then go to Via Cappellari, 3. Whilst having a stroll take a look at Humana Vintage, a shop selling second-hand clothes of the 60s, 70s, 80s. The earnings will be allocated to poor countries in the southern part of the world!