Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Now a huge shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni and built between 1865 and 1877. Often called "the living room of Milan" because of its importance as a popular meeting and dining place, this building is topped by a glass dome and features an exquisite mosaic floor. Considered one of the city's main landmarks, the mall is home to some of the region's oldest shops, as well as a number of modern, upscale boutiques, including Louis Vuitton and Prada. Choose from numerous cafes and restaurants that serve a wide range of foods for all budgets. This busy commercial building is also a good place to learn about the city's art and architecture, with several notable galleries spread across the mall's extensive grounds. Take a look at our Milan trip planner to schedule your visit to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.