A famous bull mosaic in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is being restored after years of wear caused by a long-standing tourist tradition, the BBC reported.
The mosaic, which depicts a prancing bull surrounded by a coat of arms, has become a popular attraction due to a local legend that promises good luck to visitors who place a heel on the bull’s testicles and spin three times. The ritual, which dates back to the 19th century and remains popular with tourists today, has gradually worn away the pink tiles in the area, leaving a visible crater.
Restoration work began this week, with a temporary construction site set up around the artwork. City officials said the artwork was last restored in 2017 and requires periodic maintenance because of the large number of people who interact with it each day.
The bull mosaic represents the city of Turin, Italy’s first capital, and is one of the most recognized features of the 19th-century arcade. Milan officials said preserving the artwork is essential to ensuring that the historic Galleria remains accessible and well-maintained for future visitors.
