The
Galleria
Vittorio Emanuele II is a covered arcade situated on the
northern side of the Piazza
del Duomo in Milan, connecting to the Piazza della Scala.
Named after King Victor Emmanuel II (It. Vittorio
Emanuele II), the first king of united Italy, it was built by G.
Mengoni between 1865 and 1878.
The
street is covered over by an arching glass and steel roof, thus giving
it a claim to be the world's first
shopping mall. The four storey arcade includes elegant shops selling
most things from 'haute couture' to
books, as well as restaurants, cafes and bars.