[ "A famous bull mosaic in Milan’s historic 19th‑century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has begun a much‑needed care cycle after thousands of tourists repeatedly danced a local ritual on it. The tradition—grinding the heels on the bull’s “testicles” and spinning in place three times—promises good fortune and a return to the city, but it has worn a small crater into the mosaic’s pink tiles.", "City councillors emphasised that the wear is the price of affection: The Galleria is a living heritage, which can wear away precisely because it is loved and experienced, they said, citing the last restoration in 2017. They announced that a temporary construction site has been erected and that artisan Gianluca Galli is manually cutting new stone pieces to repair the damaged area.", "The mosaic, traditionally associated with Turin, features a prancing bull set against a coat of arms and is a visual symbol of the city’s history. The restoration is a reminder that even the most celebrated artworks can degrade when touched too often, and that conservation is a collective responsibility." ]
Milan’s Iconic Bull Mosaic Receives Restoration After Tourists' Tradition Leaves Cracks
Milan’s Iconic Bull Mosaic Receives Restoration After Tourists' Tradition Leaves Cracks
The renowned bull mosaic in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has suffered repeated wear from a heel‑spinning ritual, prompting city officials to launch a restoration program.
The Galleria’s turquoise‑and‑grassy bull mosaic, a symbol of Milan’s heritage, has endured a small crater from tourists grinding their heels on its pink‑tile testicles while spinning thrice for good luck. City councillors announced the start of a restoration project, with artisan Gianluca Galli slicing new stone pieces by hand. The mosaic’s most recent overhaul was in 2017, and officials emphasise that the wear is a testament to the site's popularity. The repair work is expected to preserve the artwork for future generations.
