Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: How to Attract Good Luck?
The Gallery of Milano
Almost every Italian town has a street called Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy. Milan is not just any Italian town. It is a metropolis, the European capital of – among others – fashion. Not surprisingly, the building named after the king is a shopping arcade, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is right next to the Milano Duomo (Cathedral of Milan). The Galleria is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world.
Galleria, Milan: so much more than a shopping center
Think of any designer brand, and it has a retail shop here. The original Prada store opened in the Milano Galleria in 1913. Besides Gucci and LV, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has upscale restaurants and even a McDonald`s. The well-known red and yellow logo was redesigned in sleek gold-black colors to match this high-end atmosphere.
The Milanese often refer to the Galleria as il salotto di Milano (the drawing-room of Milan), as it is a popular dining and meeting place.
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Bull’s Balls
The elegant mosaic floor of the shopping arcade is an impressive attraction in itself. It has become the source of a legend.
In the middle of the gallery, where I stand, there is a mosaic depicting a bull on the floor. According to tradition, you have to stand on the bull`s balls. Yes, not any other body part. You also have to turn around three times on your heels. If you perform the spin well, you can expect good luck.
I am still waiting for it.
Update
I still haven`t hit the jackpot on the lottery one year after writing this article.
Did I step on the wrong testicle?
