Milan 2013 - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Right off the Piazza del Duomo is one of Milan's most famous landmarks - the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is one of the World's oldest shopping malls, and to me also one of the most beautiful.Completed in 1877, it consists of 2 glass-vaulted arcades which connects the Piazza del Duomo to the Piazza della Scala.

The arcade is very wide, allowing ample space for people to wander around, and the glass vaulted ceiling with steel frames look so light and elegant.

The highlight is the glass dome at the centre of the Galleria. The size is impressive, and the lightness of the structure is surprising. Beautiful iron work and wall frescoes decorate the base of the dome.

The flooring of The Galleria is also very special. Covered in coloured marble mosaics and inlays, the intricate patterns and colour combination is one of the most beautiful I have seen.