Spinning on Milan's Mosaic Bull Brings Good Luck

Centuries-old tradition continues to draw visitors to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Milan hosts the 2026 Winter Olympics, visitors have flocked to the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center to partake in a unique tradition of spinning on a mosaic bull, believed to bring good luck, a return to the city, or grant a wish. The tradition dates back to the 1800s and has worn a divot into the mosaic floor over the years, requiring multiple repairs.

Why it matters

The spinning on the mosaic bull has become one of Milan's most recognizable tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world to experience this centuries-old tradition. It speaks to the city's rich history and the enduring power of superstition and ritual in modern life.

The details

Located within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a historic shopping center in Milan, the mosaic bull is one of four coats of armor depicted in the mosaic flooring. Visitors are instructed to put their foot on the bull's genitals and spin around in a circle, a practice believed to bring good luck, a return to the city, or grant a wish.

  • The tradition dates back to the 1800s.
  • The constant spinning over the years has worn a divot into the mosaic floor, requiring multiple repairs.

The players

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

A historic shopping center in Milan, Italy, known for its mosaic bull tradition.

Kimberly Henderson

A visitor from Charlotte, North Carolina who observed the tradition.

Meghan Hoffman

A visitor from Charlotte, North Carolina who participated in the tradition.

Colleen Francis

A visitor from Charlotte, North Carolina who had previously participated in the tradition and believed her wish came true.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Have you seen what happens in there? Yeah. It's great people watching.”

— Kimberly Henderson

“I was told to put my foot in a bull's ball and spin around and hope my dreams come true.”

— Meghan Hoffman

“I've done it before, and I think my wish came true. So maybe it works.”

— Colleen Francis

The takeaway

The spinning on the mosaic bull in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a centuries-old tradition that continues to draw visitors from around the world, showcasing the city's rich history and the enduring power of superstition and ritual in modern life.