Milan's Bull Mosaic Restoration Sparks Mockery Over Missing Detail
‘What happened to the testicles?’: mockery in Milan over bull mosaic’s restoration

Image: The Guardian
The restoration of Milan's Rampant Bull mosaic has drawn ridicule after its testicles were seemingly omitted during repairs. The mosaic, located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, is a popular tourist attraction tied to a local ritual believed to bring good luck. Critics have accused the city of censorship and wasteful spending.
- 01The restoration of the Rampant Bull mosaic cost €30,000 (approximately $32,000 USD).
- 02The mosaic is located in the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping arcades globally.
- 03Tourists believe that spinning on the bull's testicles brings prosperity and a return visit to Milan.
- 04Critics have likened the restored bull to a castrated male ox due to the missing anatomical detail.
- 05The restoration has been described as a form of censorship by Milan's city council.
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The recent restoration of the Rampant Bull mosaic in Milan has become a subject of mockery due to the apparent removal of its testicles, a key feature linked to a popular tourist ritual. The mosaic, located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, was restored at a cost of €30,000 (approximately $32,000 USD) after damage was caused by tourists performing a heel-spinning gesture believed to bring good luck. The bull, a symbol of Turin, was unveiled to the public again on Monday, but many visitors expressed disappointment over the missing detail. Comments on social media included remarks about the bull resembling a castrated ox, raising questions about the motivations behind the restoration. Milan councillor Marco Granelli faced backlash for the project, with critics accusing the city council of censorship and wasting public funds. The Galleria itself, built between 1865 and 1877, is a cherished historic site, similar to other Italian attractions that have suffered damage from tourist interactions, such as the statue of Juliet in Verona.
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The restoration has sparked public debate over spending on cultural heritage and the impact of tourism on historical sites.
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