Milan Bull Mosaic Restoration Sparks Online ‘Castration’ Conspiracy

Tue Jun 02 2026 00:06:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Tourists have restored a beloved bull mosaic in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, but the cleanup left many online users wondering if the bull’s prized testicles were removed. The city council denies the rumors.

The bronze‑colored bull at Milan’s historic arcade has suffered wear from a tradition of heel‑spinning tourists. A small dent prompted restoration work that has drawn social media commentary claiming the bull lost its testicles. The city council insists no alteration was made and the mosaic is only partially finished, with new stones in place of the worn area.

Milan’s Wild‑Billed Bull Gets a Face‑Lift

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a nineteenth‑century arcade known for its marble floor, features a prancing bull mosaic flanked by a city coat of arms. The animal’s perspective struck a chord with locals and tourists alike. A tradition—spinning heels over the bull’s testicles three times—believed to bring luck, has left a small crater in the stone.

Last week, artisans took to the mosaic’s damaged section to replace worn tiles. The work involved hand‑cutting lighter marble pieces to restore the bull’s losing area. Though the restoration is still under way, a local councilor posted that the mosaic had been "completely restored," prompting users to question what happened to the bull’s testicles.

The council clarified that the mosaic’s testicle zone had not been removed. A pink marble, closely matching the original hue, was used for the new tiles. A darker marble from a 2017 restoration remains visible. The council also noted the mosaic is partially covered, allowing the fresh colors to settle.

Restorer Gianluca Galli told the Corriere della Sera that the work was still in progress and that no objections had been raised under the council’s oversight. The online chatter—ranging from a mockery of a possible ‘castration’ to a simple call for clarification—has highlighted the curious intersection of heritage preservation and internet culture.