Italy gives bull mosaic testicles worn down by spinning tourists some TLC
Summary
A famous bull mosaic in Milan's historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is being repaired after tourists wore down its testicles by performing a spinning ritual believed to bring good luck. The restoration work started to fix the damaged mosaic and preserve this important piece of Italian heritage.Key Facts
- The mosaic shows a prancing bull and is located in Milan's 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Tourists spin on the bull’s testicles with their heels, a tradition said to bring good luck and a return visit.
- Thousands of people do this ritual daily, causing visible wear and damage to the mosaic’s testicles.
- Restoration began recently, with artisan Gianluca Galli hand-cutting new stone pieces to repair the artwork.
- The last restoration was done in 2017 before this new repair.
- City officials say the gallery is a “living heritage” that wears down because it is well-loved and frequently visited.
- The bull mosaic represents Turin, Italy’s first capital city.
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