A competition for the design of the Galleria was won by Giuseppe Mengoni and work began on the structure in 1864. The dome, made of iron and glass, is supported by great eagles and there’s much neo-Renaissance style stuccowork and graffiti. The rare marble mosaic floor of the octagon depicting the emblems of Italian cities was renovated in 1966 and here can be witnessed a curious spectacle involving visitors to the Galleria and the black bull which is the symbol of Turin. Legend has it that revolving three times on one leg will bring good luck.
