Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Glamourous 19th-century arcade of boutiques

No visit to Milan is complete without indulging in a little retail therapy – or at least window shopping! You’ll find nowhere better than the Galleria Vittoria Emanuela II, Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery. Even if shopping’s not your bag, this lavish hall of shops is well worth a visit. 

Originally designed in 1861, the Galleria is named in honour of the first king of Italy. At the time, it featured one of the largest glass ceilings of its kind in Europe. This went on to inspire the typical modern shopping centres you see around the world today. 

You’ll find the Galleria easily, as the entrance is just off the Piazza del Duomo. It connects that main square with the Piazza della Scala, where Milan’s grand “La Scala” opera house stands. As soon as you approach the gallery’s entrance, you’ll quickly see what makes it so iconic.