Cleveland Arcade, 1890

You could say that shopping arcades have always existed, in one form or the other. From Trajan&rsquos Market in an&shycient Rome to the 15th century Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, purpose-built areas reserved for shopping have always been an important aspect of cultures. Although the modern shopping ar&shycades could be said to have begun with St Petersburg&rsquos 18th century Gostiny Dvor and London&rsquos Burlington Arcade, the first and finest example of the modern mall was Milan&rsquos grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Built in 1870, this four-storied grand arcade was a first in terms of size and spaciousness. Its two glass-vaulted arcades cover the street that connects the Duomo with the Teatro alla Scala. Among notable architectural flourishes is its giant glass dome. The Galleria introduced a new idiom, and it was swiftly copied elsewhere. Its most successful heir was the Cleveland Arcade. One of America&rsquos first shopping arcades, it was built soon after the Galleria, in 1890. Here, a five-story arcade joins two nine-story buildings, overtopped by a glass skylight. It is considered a classic of Victorian design. Modern malls and arcades are essentially variations on the theme and standard established by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II and the Cleveland Arcade.