Galeotta’s story begins not with grand pronouncements but with a king’s ambition. King Vittorio Emanuele II wanted to modernize Milan’s historic center in the 1860s. This was to celebrate Italy’s recent unification.
Our story centers around the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is named after that very king. He laid the first stone himself back in 1865.
Imagine the excitement as Milan planned this architectural marvel. Three contests were held to gather ideas for the gallery’s design. Giuseppe Mengoni’s pragmatic and elegant project won in 1863. Mengoni then supervised the work of hundreds until its completion.
The inauguration took place in 1877 when the entrance arch was completed. However, tragedy struck. Hours before the grand opening, Mengoni was found dead inside the gallery. Some say he fell from a scaffold. Others believe his death remains a mystery to this day.
The Galeotta is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls. Milan’s elite flocked here to socialize and shop right after its opening. For over a century, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has been affectionately called “il salotto di Milano”. This translates to “the living-room of Milan”.
Elegance is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II’s hallmark. All establishments inside must adhere to strict visual guidelines. For example, their brands must be styled into golden letters on a black background.
Prada’s story began right here. It started as a luggage shop called Fratelli Prada. The original shop still stands today.
The Galeotta spans four stories built with marble, iron, and glass. Four corridors intersect in a cross shape. A stunning glass dome sits at the center. The two longer corridors act as a passageway. They connect the Duomo and La Scala Theatre.
Look down at the floor. You will notice mosaic artwork. It pays homage to Rome, Turin, Florence, and Milan. Turin’s symbol is the bull. It gets the most attention. Local tradition says spinning counterclockwise three times with your heel firmly planted over the bull’s testicles brings good luck. It also promises a return visit to Milan. This tradition began as a mockery of the rival city of Turin. Today, it also represents the hope of visiting Milan again.
So, give it a try. Who knows what good fortune Galeotta will bring? Perhaps a return to this beautiful city. Take a moment to appreciate this living room of Milan. It is a testament to elegance, history, and the enduring spirit of this city.