Overview
- The mosaic of the toro rampante in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was recently repaired after concentrated damage at the genital area caused by visitors repeatedly placing their heels on the bull and turning.
- After the restoration was unveiled, visitors and social-media users widely complained that the bull's testicles appeared to be missing or altered and criticized the color and workmanship of replacement tiles.
- Milan's city administration publicly rejected claims of improper work and said restorers used appropriate materials and methods consistent with conservation standards.
- Reports place the restoration cost at roughly €30,000 and note that critics accused the city of 'censorship' or of intentionally removing the feature to curb the ritual.
- The episode highlights a larger tension between preserving original material and managing tourist practices at heritage sites and raises the likelihood of clearer conservation rules or visitor restrictions in the future.