Milan Bull Mosaic Restoration Sparks Public Backlash

A restoration of the bull mosaic in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century shopping arcade, has drawn criticism from locals. The mosaic, which features a bull from Turin's coat of arms, is the site of a tradition where visitors spin on the bull's testicles for good luck. The latest restoration, carried out by restorer Gianluca Galli between May 27 and 30, used epoxy resin instead of traditional mortar to improve durability. The work cost an estimated €30,000 ($35,000) and was done in public view, with Milan's public works department calling it proof of "living heritage." However, when councilor Marco Granelli praised the restoration on Facebook, commenters questioned the quality, noting uneven tiles and messy joints, and criticized the anatomical accuracy, with some saying the testicles looked "crushed" or resembled "a faucet." The Galleria, built between 1865 and 1877, is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. The tradition of spinning on the bull is believed to date back to the 19th century. Public backlash against changes to Italian landmarks is not uncommon; recently, heritage groups opposed the Borghese Gallery's expansion plans in Rome.