Chapter Forty-Three
The group’s next stop was the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks. As they approached the grand entrance, Alicia began to share her knowledge. “Welcome to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II,” she said with enthusiasm. “Named after the first king of Italy, this magnificent shopping arcade is one of the oldest in the world. It was designed in 1861 and built by architect Giuseppe Mengoni between 1865 and 1877. The Galleria connects two of Milan’s most famous landmarks: the Duomo and the Teatro alla Scala.”
The Galleria’s entrance was a sight to behold, with its triumphal archway leading into an elegant covered passageway. The sound of footsteps echoed softly against the marble floors as the group walked inside. The interior was bathed in a warm, golden light that filtered through the immense glass dome above. Sophie and Fernando marveled at the intricate iron and glass structure, reminiscent of a grand palace rather than a shopping mall .
“The Galleria was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and completed in 1877. It’s often referred to as Milan’s ‘Drawing Room’; look around you, and you’ll see why,” Alicia continued. “The floors are covered with exquisite mosaics representing the coats of arms of the major Italian cities. In the center, you’ll find the famous mosaic of the bull from Turin. Tradition says that if you place your heel on the bull’s testicles and spin around three times, it will bring you good luck.”
Sophie and Fernando watched as tourists took turns performing the ritual, laughter and chatter filling the air. The couple decided to give it a try, joining in the fun and spinning on the mosaic, their laughter mingling with the other sounds in the Galleria.
“It’s harder than it looks,” Sophie commented, putting a hand on Fernando’s arm to steady herself as the room stopped spinning.
The Galleria was a feast for the senses. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the historic cafes, mingling with the scent of luxury leather goods and high-end perfumes. The vibrant colors of designer storefronts like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton lined the passageways, their window displays showcasing the latest fashion trends.
As they strolled through the Galleria, Alicia pointed out a few notable spots. “Over there is the historic Ristorante Savini, a favorite among locals and tourists alike since 1867. And just ahead, you’ll find the famous Camparino in Galleria, known for its iconic aperitivo, the Campari soda.”
Sophie and Fernando took in the lively atmosphere, the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversations blending into a symphony of city life. The Galleria’s intricate mosaic floors, the gleaming shop windows, and the grand architectural details created a sense of opulence and history.
As they reached the central octagonal space under the glass dome, Alicia continued, “This is the heart of the Galleria. Look up, and you’ll see the stunning frescoes representing Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Each corner of the octagon features an entrance to different parts of the city, making this a true crossroads of Milan.”
The group paused to admire the frescoes, the colors vivid and the details intricate, depicting the continents in allegorical forms. The grandeur of the space was awe-inspiring, and Sophie couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder at the history and beauty surrounding them.
As they exited the Galleria, Alicia led the group towards their next landmark, the Teatro alla Scala. “Opened in 1778, the Teatro alla Scala is one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Many great operatic works have premiered here, and it remains a symbol of Milan’s rich cultural heritage.”
Approaching the grand structure, Sophie and Fernando were struck by the elegance of the neoclassical architecture. The fa?ade featured clean lines and symmetrical shapes, typical of the neoclassical style, with tall columns supporting a triangular pediment. The theater’s exterior was adorned with decorative elements that evoked the splendor of ancient Greece and Rome.
“The neoclassical architecture you see here,” Alicia explained, “is characterized by its grandeur and simplicity. The use of columns, like those on the fa?ade, and the emphasis on symmetry and proportion are key elements. This style was popular in the 18th century as a return to the classical ideals of beauty and harmony.”
The group marveled at the theater’s fa?ade before stepping inside. The interior was equally impressive, with opulent red velvet seats, gilded balconies that shone in under the bright lights, and crystal chandeliers casting a warm, inviting glow over the auditorium. The ceiling was adorned with intricate frescoes, and the stage, framed by a majestic proscenium arch adorned with gilded details and intricate carvings, seemed ready to host the world’s finest performers .
“Inside, you’ll notice the sumptuous decoration,” Alicia continued. “The auditorium, which holds over 2,000 guests, is designed in the traditional horseshoe shape, which provides excellent acoustics and visibility. The chandeliers are made of Murano glass, adding a touch of Venetian artistry to the Milanese splendor.”
The group was given a brief tour of the theater, taking in the rich history and the artistic achievements that had taken place within its walls. They learned about the premieres of many famous operas, such as Verdi’s “Otello” and Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” which cemented La Scala’s reputation as a premier venue for opera.
Alicia paused to add a fascinating detail. “Throughout its history, La Scala has hosted many illustrious guests, including royalty. Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, who was instrumental in the theater’s construction, often attended performances here. More recently, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana of the United Kingdom have graced these seats, bringing an added touch of regality to the theater’s storied past.”
Fernando and Sophie stood in awe of the luxurious surroundings. The thought of sitting where such historical figures once did added a layer of awe to their experience.
“This place is incredible,” Sophie whispered. “The history, the artistry—it’s overwhelming. I can totally imagine Queen Elizabeth sitting up there watching a performance with her precious little smile.”
Fernando nodded in agreement. “It’s amazing to think of all the talent that has graced this stage. You can almost feel the presence of the past performers and attendees. The energy sort of lingers in the space.”
“Either that, or we both have overactive imaginations,” Sophie quipped with a grin .
“Then I guess we’re in good company because we both seem to feel it.”
As they completed their tour, Alicia gathered the group outside La Scala. “You now have four hours of free time to explore Milan on your own. Enjoy shopping, dining, or just wandering through this beautiful city. We’ll meet back here to head to your final destination.”
Sophie turned to Fernando. “I’m not really interested in shopping. I’ve already bought everything I wanted to get.”
Fernando’s eyes twinkled with a secret plan. “How about we do something totally different and make some memories then? Follow me.” He led her through the streets of Milan until they arrived at a prestigious fashion house: Atelier Versace.