A famous bull mosaic in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is being restored after years of tourists spinning on its testicles for good luck caused significant wear. The tradition, involving grinding a heel into the bull's groin and spinning three times clockwise, created a small crater in the artwork. Artisan Gianluca Galli is carefully replacing damaged stone pieces by hand while the site is temporarily closed. City officials emphasize the need to preserve the 'living heritage' shaped by millions of annual visitors. This incident mirrors similar issues, such as tourists damaging Dublin's Molly Malone statue by touching her breasts for luck.
A famous bull mosaic located in a grand Milan shopping arcade is undergoing restoration after years of tourists spinning on its testicles for good luck.
According to local legend, visitors who grind their heel into the bull's groin and spin three times clockwise are guaranteed good fortune - and a future return to the Italian city. However, the tradition has left its mark. Thousands of tourists performing the ritual every day have worn a small crater into the bull's 'lucky spot' - prompting restoration work this week at the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
City councillors said in a statement: 'The pink tiles that make up its testicles are being worn away.
' The beige and blue mosaic, which represents the city of Turin, sits on the floor of the 19th-century arcade and has become one of Milan's most popular tourist traditions. A temporary construction site has since been erected around the artwork while artisan Gianluca Galli carefully replaces damaged pieces of stone by hand, as curious tourists gather round and watch in bemusement.
Speaking to AFP news agency, Galli noted: 'It's probably a charming gesture, but also quite damaging for a work of art.
' In Milan's historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a famous bull mosaic is being restored after tourists have worn down its 'lucky testicles' over several years The attraction is currently closed to tourists while artisan Gianluca Galli carefully replaces damaged pieces of stone by hand The wear and tear of the Bull Mosaic is due to the tradition that it brings good luck to make three turns on oneself in an anti-clockwise direction with the heel of the right shoe City officials Emmanuel Conte and Marco Granelli said the mosaic was last restored in 2017.
They added that the Galleria remains a 'living heritage' shaped by the millions of people who visit it each year, therefore they pledge to 'take care of it so that it continues to be so'. This isn't the first landmark to be damaged by tourists in recent years. Dublin's city council called in guards to stop tourists from touching the breast of Molly Malone's statue recently, after claims the gesture was damaging it.
The bronze statue, which is a popular landmark for tourists in the Irish capital, has been a target for many visitors to the city. Tradition dictates that anyone who touches the statue's assets will have good luck.
As a result, throughout the years, thousands of tourists have approached and groped her breasts. However, a campaigner began to notice the trend, and took it upon herself to make sure the habit ends for good back in May 2025. Tilly Cripwell called on Dublin City Council to raise the 1988 statue out of reach so people can no longer grope the metal body part.
The student claimed she had seen tourists touch the statue's chest up to 60 times per hour and the tradition has tarnished the likeness of the local folk hero. In response, the council brought in stewards to guard the statue and made sure tourists who want to get a closer look are stopped.
Milan Bull Mosaic Restoration Tourist Tradition Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Molly Malone Statue Damage
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Milan's Bull Mosaic Undergoing Restoration After Tourists Grind Away Its 'Lucky Testicles'A famous bull mosaic in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is being restored due to tourists repeatedly spinning on its testicles for good luck, wearing a crater into the artwork. Artisan Gianluca Galli is carefully replacing damaged tiles.
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