Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Europe’s grandest shopping arcade, was built in the form of a cross, and is adorned with fresco and mosaic. One arm is 640 3/4 feet, and the other 344 1/2 feet, the ceiling appears to be three or four stories high, and there is a 165 foot high glass cupola. The Galleria was built in 1865 to ‘67 by Giuseppe Mengoni, who shortly thereafter lost his life by falling from the scaffolding, while adding the finishing touches.

The Galleria is a preferred winter sauntering place for the Milanese. In the evening, with the illumination of the lamps, the elegance of the shops and the animation of the crowd, it seems like an enchanted city.

Years ago our son-in-law’s father, as a very young man, worked at the Restaurant Biffi located in Milano’s Galleria. This was good training for the man who later was the Maitre’d Hotel in the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel for many years. As an example of what might questionably be called progress, a large part of what had been Biffi’s, is now a McDonald’s. At least we know where to find clean restrooms.