Town House Galleria -- 7 Star Hotel in Milan
History
With spirited nationalism and an imperial hunger, Italy emerged from centuries of divisiveness as a united nation in the mid nineteenth century. Led by King Vittorio Emanuele II, the beloved “Father of the Fatherland,” the young nation was brimming with activity and ambition. In 1861, plans were drawn for a Milanese monument, a cross-shaped arcade that would connect the sacred Piazza del Duomo to the popular La Scala Theatre. The Galleria was designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni, constructed between 1865 and 1878, and, ultimately, named in honor of united Italy’s first king.
The architectural marvel stood four stories tall with a 164-foot dome and stretched the length of 640 feet. It was an immediate success, housing numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, some of which still exist today, including the Biffi Caffè established in 1867 and the famous Zucca Bar, frequented by composer Giuseppe Verdi. The Galleria became the archetypal structure for several other large-scale, European arcades. A structural revision and refurbishment of former street-level commercial spaces, which were transformed into apartments/suites, stands proudly nearly a century and a half later as the stylish home of Town House Galleria.
Between Milan’s famed Piazza del Duomo and world renowned La Scala Theatre lies Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the architecturally exquisite, glass-domed arcade and national monument home to Town House Galleria, an intimate and luxurious, 11-guestroom retreat. Nestled amid fashion powerhouses Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, the historic Biffi Caffè, and bustling Milanese activity, Town House Galleria is an unparalleled boutique hotel boasting stunning décor, one-of-a-kind guestrooms, the acclaimed cuisine of La Sinfonia Restaurant, and nearly 150 years of history.
Built on the heels of Italian unification in the mid 1870s and remodeled by renowned Milanese architect Ettore Mocchetti, the hotel resides within Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a magnificent enclosed street between The Town Hall (Palazzo Marino) and Piazza Duomo, known affectionately as “Milan’s Drawing Room,” and is a thoughtful balance of contemporary aesthetics and historic craftsmanship, honoring both Milanese design and the hotel’s 1861 origins.
Town House Galleria pampers guests with exceptional, custom accommodations, butler service, and an allure reminiscent of a private penthouse; meanwhile, offering unrivaled views of the Galleria, its four stories, and remarkable glass dome. Recognized as a global fashion and design capital, Milan has a rich cultural history, and the location of Town House Galleria, in the very heart of Milan, provides guests a prime starting point from which to explore the city’s stunning visuals and centuries of vibrant history.
Town House Galleria, a charter member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2011, dates back to 1876.
Location
Among the shops and activity of the national monument Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Town House Galleria boasts an unparalleled location in the heart of fashionable Milan. The nexus between the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala and within footsteps of the Via Montenapoleone fashion district, the hotel’s location is ideal for exploring the best of Milan. Gourmet restaurants, nightlife, museums and cultural sites are all within easy access.
Nearest Airport
Milan Malpensa Int’l Airport: 25 miles/40 kilometers, 40 minutes.
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