The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located in the heart of Milan, is not only Italy's oldest active shopping gallery but also a stunning example of 19th-century architecture. Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and completed in 1877, this four-story double arcade is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. Its glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octagon and the central glass dome are a marvel, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of modern shopping malls and the elegance of Milanese culture.