Milan mocked after restoration erases bull mosaic’s testicles

The restoration of a 19th-century floor mosaic in Milan known as the Rampant Bull has been mocked after the works appear to have erased its testicles. The mosaic in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II needed a makeover because a small crater had formed in the tiny pink tiles featuring the bull’s testicles, due to the constant stream of tourists performing a heel-spinning gesture.

Legend has it that planting your right heel on the bull’s testicles and spinning around three times brings prosperity — or at least a guaranteed return visit to Milan. George and Amal Clooney were reportedly among those who participated in the ritual in the months before the mosaic was repaired.

The restored bull was reopened to the public on Monday, but visitors might struggle to find the testicles. When Marco Granelli, a Milan councillor, shared a photo of the refurbished mosaic on Facebook, the post attracted a deluge of mockery and criticism. “Something’s missing,” one commenter wrote.

Italy, Milan

milan, rampant bull, bull mosaic, galleria vittorio, restoration, testicles, heel spin, tourist ritual, george clooney, marco granelli