Shopping tour in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Pure elegance and impressive architecture: an exclusive shopping experience in the "Salon of Milan."
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: iconic shopping temple in the heart of Milan
If you are visiting Milan for sightseeing or shopping, you cannot miss the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Located in the center of the city, this passageway is the oldest shopping center in the world and in Italy.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II stretches from Piazza Duomo to Piazza Scala. The first stone was laid in 1865. The shopping center opened in 1867, even before it was completely finished. It's not just the selection of exclusive shops that's impressive, but also the architecture.
The Victor Emmanuel Passage, also known as the "Salon of Milan," was designed by architect Giuseppe Mengo. The visual highlight of this cross-shaped shopping temple is the huge glass dome in the central octagon, which is 47 meters high and 37 meters in diameter.
Stroll in a beautiful atmosphere and then enjoy an aperitivo
In Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you will find a wide selection of luxury brands, from Armani to Louis Vuitton. Prada opened its first store there in 1913. The Galleria is also home to art galleries and souvenir shops. These include the renowned art bookstore Bocca, which was founded in 1775 and opened in the passage in 1930.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele also has a very good range of restaurants. You can round off your shopping trip with an aperitif in the chic Bar Camparino, for example. When dining out and shopping, it's always best to have your American Express Gold Card or Platinum Card with you to benefit from practical Purchase Protection Insurance and dining benefits.
The magic is in the details
The many details in the décor and architecture of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II contribute to the charm of the building. The eclectic design of the passageway enchants visitors with its lavish decorations and sculptures. All shops have uniform black shop signs with gold lettering.
Interesting fact: The white spheres on the shop fronts, which illuminate the Galleria at night, used to be powered by gas. To light them, a special device on rails carried a flame from lamp to lamp. The machine raced down the entire length of the passage so quickly that the Milanese christened it "rattin" – the mouse.
Are you traveling to Milan with the Gold Card or Platinum Card?
Your visit to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan
There is hardly any other city where you can shop as well as in Milan. Especially in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is not only a shopping paradise for luxury brands, but also impresses with its magnificent architecture. A place where history, style, and fashion come together.
And thanks to the Platinum Card from American Express, you can arrive in Italy feeling relaxed: with this metal credit card, you get free access to more than 1,700 airport lounges worldwide thanks to your Priority Pass membership. The Gold Card also includes two lounge visits per year.
Frequently asked questions and answers
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is located in the center of Milan and is the oldest shopping center in the world and in Italy.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan is home to numerous stores selling exclusive luxury fashion brands such as Prada, Armani, and Versace. You will also find bookstores, art galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
The mosaic of Turin's coat of arms is located in the central octagon of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and depicts a bull. It is said that turning around it three times brings good luck.
