Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located in Milan, Italy, is the world's oldest active shopping arcade and a premier 19th-century landmark. Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and built between 1865 and 1877, this four-story, glass-and-iron arcade connects the Duomo and La Scala opera house. It is known as il salotto di Milano (Milan's living room)

Is Italy's oldest active shopping arcade and a major landmark of Milan. Housed within a four-story double arcade in the centre of town, the Galleria is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy.

The main building of the University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano), known as Ca' Granda (the "Great House"), was originally built as a major hospital for the poor.

Original Purpose (1456–1923): Commissioned by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, and designed by the architect Filarete, it was founded in 1456 as the Ospedale Maggiore (Major Hospital) to provide medical care to the poor and sick.
Transformation into a University: After operating as a hospital for nearly 500 years, the building was severely damaged during World War II bombings in 1943. Following restoration, it was converted into the university headquarters and inaugurated for academic use in 1958.

The Structure: The Renaissance-style building still retains its original columned cloisters, a church, and, in certain sections, remnants of its history, including the "Crypt of the Ca' Granda" where anatomical studies once took place.Read more