‘What happened to the testicles?’: mockery in Milan over bull mosaic’s restoration
Summary
A famous bull mosaic in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was restored after damage caused by tourists touching a specific spot for luck. The restoration removed the bull’s testicles, which led to public mockery and criticism online. The mosaic, a symbol originally linked to Turin, has a tradition where spinning with a heel on its testicles is believed to bring good luck.Key Facts
- The mosaic, called the Rampant Bull, dates back to the 19th century and is located in Milan’s historic shopping arcade.
- Tourists have worn down the bull’s testicles by performing a heel-spinning ritual believed to bring prosperity or a return visit to Milan.
- The restoration cost about €30,000 (£26,000) and was completed recently.
- After restoration, the bull’s testicles were no longer visible, sparking jokes and criticism on social media.
- Some commenters joked the bull looked "castrated" and suggested the change was to stop the ritual.
- Milan’s city council was accused by some of wasting money and censoring the artwork.
- This is not the first time tourist rituals caused damage; another example is the Juliet statue in Verona, which has been restored multiple times due to visitors touching it for luck in love.
- The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades, built between 1865 and 1877 near Milan’s cathedral.
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