Elegant and fashionable, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has always been the Salotto of Milan, the heart of the city: writers, painters, and journalists have always met in the Galleria’s cafes to exchange ideas or comments, or even just to have an aperitif.
Even at Christmas, there is no rain or wind that can prevent us from enjoying a nice steaming chocolate or an aperitif sitting at a small table in a café or lingering in front of the windows of the most fashionable stores in the center, among the glittering lights of the Galleria di Milano.
The birth of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
After all, it was precisely that of providing citizens with a place for stores and bars that was always alive and independent of the vagaries of weather and climate that was one of the reasons why a new custom took shape in Europe during the nineteenth century: building covered galleries and passageways. London, Paris, Brussels, Milan, and Turin-every self-respecting city had to have them.
Milan’s most famous is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a veritable tribute to the newly unified Italy that has become Milan’s Salotto over time.
Inaugurated in 1867, it is the result of no less than three competitions that took place during the 1860s and a long project that came to fruition thanks to Giuseppe Mengoni.
With nearly 20,000 square meters, La galleria Vittorio Emanuele II can well be said to be the beating heart of the city, a vital monument of Milan and among the oldest and most valuable commercial galleries in the entire world; a piece of urban history but also a true mirror of the changes in Milanese and Italian society over the last 150 years, just think when the historic Caffè Biffi was the first public venue to be equipped with electric lights, in 1882!
Highline Milan, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from above.
After renovation Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II soars skyward and becomes walkable with the site walkways known as Highline Milano, a real promenade 300 meters long and 36 meters high above its beautiful arched windows. As you look at the building, you will discover a true tribute to the newly unified Italy, wonder why the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is considered the Salotto of Milan , and discover the mysterious story of the architect who designed it, Giuseppe Mengoni. farther on, the medieval bell tower of San Gottardo in Corte, but you need only turn your gaze to find new wonders. From Highline Milan you will be able to see all the most striking views to get lost in: it is the new skyline of Milan, with the very recent iron-and-glass buildings of Porta Nuova and Citylife.
Returning to our Gallery, from the walkways you can take a closer look at its beauties: ornate pilasters, statues and mosaics, as well as its pavement, decorated in mosaic with the city coats of arms and the very famous lucky bull.
Looking for something to do very close to the Gallery?
The Cathedral and its Terraces
The Duomo is a great work of art and architecture that identifies Milan everywhere as a true icon. Imagine being able to climb up to the Terraces of the Duomo to enjoy a view that is nothing short of spectacular: a unique panorama as you listen to the story of the cathedral’s history and the hundreds of spires and statues that adorn this sacred building, a symbol of the city.
La Scala Theatre Museum
You will cross the threshold of the most famous temple of music, the La Scala Theater Museum in Milan: immediately a magical and evocative aura will envelop you. Precious jewelry, musical instruments, famous masks and costumes, from Mozart to Giuseppe Verdi, from Eleonora Duse to Maria Callas…
Crypt of St. Sepulchre
As we approach the Church of San Sepolcro, we already have the impression of traveling back in time, and of taking a leap back to the Lombard Middle Ages and the time of the Crusades… The very facade of the church, although rebuilt over time, seems to be defended by its two tall towers as if by two knights from a distant time! Founded as far back as 1030 with the name Holy Trinity, the church was soon rededicated to the Holy Sepulchre because of the presence, since its foundation, of the crypt, a legendary, almost magical place, a copy of Christ’s holy sepulcher in Jerusalem.
Sforza Castle
From the Sala delle Asse, frescoed by master Leonardo da Vinci, to Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini: Castello Sforzesco and its sumptuous rooms have more in store for you than just the atmosphere of the 15th-century court! Discover the history of the Castle that belonged to the Sforza family and, why not, also some anecdotes about court life and the reasons that bound Leonardo to Milan and the Castle, for almost fifteen years.
Milan Underground
Just descend four meters deep to discover another fascinating and mysterious face of the Ambrosian capital: a tour of the Underground Milan will take you to discover the archaeological area below Piazza Duomo and the ancient Crypt of San Giovanni in Conca, to whose basilica the Romanesque ruins still visible in Piazza Missori belong.
