The world's best shopping centre - a 37 store 'masterpiece' costing £18m to build

This is Italy's oldest shopping centre (Image: Getty)

This Milan landmark is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful shopping destinations in the world. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, completed in 1867, is not only Italy’s oldest active shopping arcade but also a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture. Built at a cost of £300,000 in 1867, which comes to roughly £18.7 million today, the Galleria features a soaring glass dome, an elegant steel framework, and a dramatic barrel-vaulted ceiling.

Its neo-Renaissance style blends classic artistry with modern engineering, highlighted by elaborate mosaics, intricate floor designs, and harmonious vaulted walkways. Rated as the best shopping centre in the entire world on TripAdvisor, the Galleria draws admiration from even those who don’t enjoy shopping and is much more than a shopping centre.

It is much more than just a shopping centre it’s a stunning architectural masterpiece (Image: Getty)

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II houses over 30 luxury shops and boutiques, including world-renowned brands like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace.

This impressive four-story, glass-roofed arcade connects the famous Duomo of Milan with Piazza della Scala, home to the famous Teatro alla Scala opera house. Built between 1865 and 1877, the Galleria has been named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy.

In the centre of the Galleria, beneath the majestic glass dome, you’ll find intricate mosaics that represent the four historic capitals of the Kingdom of Italy: Rome, Florence, Turin, and Milan.

A well-known local tradition in the Galleria involves spinning on the mosaic of a bull, which represents Turin. According to legend, placing your heel on the bull’s testicles and spinning three times is said to bring good luck. This quirky ritual has become a popular attraction for tourists hoping to take a bit of luck home with them.

To preserve its historical elegance, all shops and businesses inside the Galleria are required to use retro-style gold lettering on a black background for their signage, maintaining the consistency of the original 19th-century design.

The shopping centre was designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni (Image: Getty)

One TripAdvisor user wrote: "This has to be seen. The size and detail is amazing....and yes there are some of the best designer shops located in it. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth just walking around and taking in the views."

Gustavo, from London said: "During our family trip to Milan, visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was an unforgettable experience.

"We had seen photos before arriving, but nothing prepared us for how stunning it is in person. The glass-domed ceiling, ornate architecture, and elegant mosaic floors make it feel more like a palace than a shopping arcade."

"Even with our kids in tow, we found the atmosphere surprisingly welcoming. The open-air design (though covered) gave us space to walk comfortably, and there was plenty to capture everyone's attention — from luxury boutiques like Prada and Gucci for us adults, to the colourful window displays and gelato shops that kept the children entertained."

Someone else wrote: "Stunning mall next to the Duomo Cathedral, the architecture, the mosaics on the floor the glass top on ceiling..it is the most stunning mall I have ever visited..the luxury, fashionable stores, the bookstore, the restaurants and cafes, are so so impressive."