Italy restores lucky testicles on bull mosaic worn down by tourists
A famous bull mosaic in Milan is undergoing restoration due to wear from tourists who participate in a tradition involving its testicles. The mosaic, located in the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, has been damaged by visitors spinning on it for good luck. Restoration efforts began this week to preserve the artwork for future generations.
- ▪The bull mosaic is located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
- ▪Tourists have worn down the mosaic by performing a heel-spinning ritual on its testicles.
- ▪Restoration work started this week to repair the damage caused by the tradition.
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Italy restores lucky testicles on bull mosaic worn down by tourists Just nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleYang TianPier Marco Tacca via Getty ImagesA famous bull mosaic in one of Italy's grand arcades is getting some much-needed care after being worn down by thousands of tourists honouring a tradition involving its delicate body part.As the legend goes, tourists in Milan who grind their heels on the bull's testicles and spin in place three times are guaranteed good fortune and are destined to return.Visitors twirling for luck have left a small crater on the bull's own "lucky spot"."Thousands of people every day have performed the famous heel-spinning gesture," city councillors said.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC News — World.