Galleria Vittorio Emanuele - Milano Architecture Architect: Giuseppe Mengoni Date: 1861 designed, built 1865 to 1877 Building Type: shopping center Construction System: masonry buildings with iron & glass roof A walk through Milan's historical center will take you past some of the most famous architectural structures of Europe. For example, starting from the city center, Piazza del Duomo, which is in itself an architectural wonder, you will be in walking distance from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Teatro dell Scala opera house, San Lorenzo Maggiore, and the Torre Velasca.   Galeria Vittorio Emanuele is one of the most beautiful covered galleries in Europe. Began in 1865, it was the first of it's kind to make use of an iron and glass structure. In 1867, Giuseppe Mengoni, the architect, fell to his death from the heights of the glass dome while scrutinizing decorative details two days before King Vittorio Emanuele led the opening ceremony.   Galeria Vittorio Emanuele was built not only to connect the squares of La Scala and Il Duomo, but to represent the union of church and state which came about after the nationalist revolution of 1848.