When you have the opportunity to go to Europe, try visiting Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is the oldest shopping center in Italy, maybe even in the world. The location is in the center of Milan. This four-story building is named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, namely Victor Emmanuel II.

 The building structure was built between 1865 and 1877. There are two glass-domed arcades that cross in an octagonal shape, positioned at the front. The elongated central corridor where visitors walk is covered by curved glass and an iron frame. It was a design for a building arcade that was popular in the 19th century.

Similar designs can be seen at the Burlington Arcade in London, the Saint-Hubert Gallery in Brussels, the Passazh in St Petersburg, the Galleria Umberto I in Naples, and at the Budapest Galleria. The concept of an octagonal space whose center is closed with a glass dome has become an inspiration in the evolution of modern shopping centers. This is also the origin of the use of the word galleria as a term for a shopping place.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a landmark in Milan which is located between two other important buildings, namely the Il Duomo Cathedral and the Teatro alla Scala as a venue for opera performances and artistic activities. The physical condition of the building still looks magnificent today and is considered to be one of the interesting sights in Milan. Locals often refer to it as the “salon of Milan”. As a shopping center, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the sales location for various world-famous brands, such as Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as other high-class boutiques. 

This shopping complex also has a number of artistically decorated restaurants, including one of the oldest in Milan, namely Café Biffi, which was founded in 1867. Apart from tenants that are hundreds of years old, visitors can also find a McDonald's outlet there. This fast food restaurant is decorated with black pillars and gold decorations so that it looks harmonious with other outlets. 

There is a comfortable terrace for eating and drinking while enjoying the atmosphere and elegance of this building that is more than a century old.

If you walk around the gallery, the dome in the center has amazing mosaics representing the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Under the main dome there is a mosaic with the coat of arms of Savoy and a number of animals representing several important cities in Italy. According to local legend, visitors and residents there will experience good luck if they step with their right foot up and turn 360 degrees with their eyes closed.

The closest train station is Milano Cadorna, just a 15-minute walk. You can also take the red metro line to the Duomo, with the majestic Galleria opening before you. If you arrive in Milano Garibaldi, you can choose to have a 25-minute stroll through Milan's city center.