The Castello Sforzesco is one of the main symbols of Milan.
The building was built in the fifteenth century by Francesco Sforza where before there was the Castle of Porta Giovia or Zobia. After its construction, the Castello Sforzesco has become one of the main military citadels in all of Europe.
After its construction, the Castello Sforzesco was expanded several times with works that made the structure more and more prestigious. During the government of Galeazzo Maria, large frescoes were made in the interior rooms. The last major renovation dates back to the twentieth century, following the damage suffered during the bombings of the Second World War. It is precisely at this time that the great fountain was built in Piazza Castello.
To date, numerous events take place inside the Castello Sforzesco that attract thousands of tourists from all over the world every year and is home to cultural institutions.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the symbols of the city, known all over the world. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an indoor passage, a shopping arcade that is located between Piazza della Scala and Piazza Duomo.
Inside the Gallery there are several very famous and classy bars and restaurants.
Over the years the Gallery has been affected by numerous renovations although the most substantial was built in the sixties, during which the flooring was completely redone.
During the Allied bombing of Milan in 1943, in fact, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II had suffered numerous damages and an intervention was therefore necessary to restore the structure to its former glory.
At the center of the floor of the central octagon was made a mosaic depicting the coat of arms of the House of Savoy, while on the sides were made the coats of arms of the four cities that over the years have been the capitals of the kingdom of Italy or Milan, Turin, Florence and finally Rome.
Tradition has it that rotating on oneself three times while remaining with the heel of the right foot in correspondence with the genitals of the bull portrayed in the coat of arms of the city of Turin, is a good omen.
