The street is named after the great Vittorio Emanuele II, who is famous as the first king of United Italy. Originally designed in 1861, the passage was actually constructed between 1865 and 1877 by Giuseppe Mengoni. The decoration details are really impressive – plaster eagles stand below the dome, which is erected at the level of 47 metres and is made of iron and arching glass, which was a typical technique for the 19th Century arcades, such as Saint-Hubert Gallery in Brussels and Burlington Arcade in London. The internal facade includes magnificent telamons and caryatids, stucco details in Neo-Renaissance style and artistic graffiti. Larger than its predecessors, Corso Vittorio Emanuele began the fashion of enclosing shopping malls, as well as the use of the term ‘galleria’ for such shopping arcades and complexes.

An interesting feature of the Galleria is the floor, which was redesigned in 1966 with a rare marble mosaic depicting the emblems of the major Italian cities. Take a look at the floor and you will notice a black bull with worn genitals – this is the symbol of the city of Turin. According to the legend, if the person manages to revolve three times on just one leg placed right in the bull’s genitals, he will be very lucky. Crossing along the shopping passage you will see the ancient Roman statue that used to be favourite for the Milanese, but nowadays is neglected. Continue ahead and on the left side you will face the 19th Century church of San Carlo.

A number of luxurious and eccentric shops are also situated on the street, as well as several cinemas and cafes. Shopping fans can choose among elegant clothing, including haute couture, books and much, much more. One can enjoy the latest collections of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and other world-renowned designers. There are also restaurants with first-class cuisine and bars with exquisite atmospheres where one can stop by for a drink or meal. Among them recommended is Bar Zucca, designed in Art-Nouveau style and a traditional spot for an aperitif. Next to the bar is Il Savini, a stylish restaurant with culinary temptations and refined ambience. Adjacent to the Galleria is the top-of-the-line Park Hyatt Hotel, which offers the most luxurious and expensive accommodation in Milan.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele is linked to the Piazza San Babila, where one can find even more luxurious stores, such as the famous Fiorucci store for designer clothing, eccentric accessories and other articles. Other shops include United Colors of Benetton, Boggi and Valextra.