The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan was inaugurated on September 15, 1867. For 157 years, it has symbolized elegance and sophistication , earning its place as a must-see landmark during a luxurious stay in Milan. Here are 10 intriguing facts about one of Milan and Italy’s architectural icons to mark this anniversary.
The name and initial plans The Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was named in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the King of Italian Unification (1861) , who was also commemorated with the Vittoriano (or Altare della Patria ) in Rome. Naming the new gallery after him was a gesture of respect but also a strategic move by the municipal council to gain more support. The primary purpose of the Galleria was to ease city traffic and create a better connection between Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Scala.
Finding the perfect design took three years, from 1860 to 1863. The first competition attracted an overwhelming 176 submissions, necessitating a drastic reduction. (On the right, is the start of the construction).
The architect never saw the Galleria completed The design by architect Giuseppe Mengoni won the competition and was selected, albeit with some modifications, to begin construction. The foundation stone was laid on March 7, 1865, by King Vittorio Emanuele II. Tragically, Mengoni never saw the completed Galleria.
In 1877, ten years after its inauguration, Mengoni fell from scaffolding during the final touches. His death remains shrouded in mystery, with.