Nestled on Piazza Venezia, at the end of Via del Corso, the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II—commonly known as Il Vittoriano—is a colossal neo-classical structure celebrating the unification of Italy under its first king: the legendary Victor Emmanuel II.
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A Brief History of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
Built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Italy’s unification, the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II—also called Vittoriano, Imperial Palace, or Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria)—was constructed between 1885 and 1927 (inaugurated in 1911) based on the plans of Italian architect Giuseppe Sacconi.
While the monument is now a symbol of Rome, it wasn’t always embraced by the locals for several reasons.
First, an entire medieval neighborhood had to be demolished to make space for this marble giant. Its grandiose style and massive dimensions also clashed with the aesthetics of Rome’s historic center, earning it unflattering nicknames like “the typewriter,” “the wedding cake,” “the bathtub,” and “the dentures.”
The Risorgimento, Italy’s Unification
In the latter half of the 19th century, Victor Emmanuel II, Duke of Savoy, King of Piedmont-Sardinia, Prince of Piedmont, and Count of Nice, opposed the Austrian Empire and gradually unified most Italian regions. He was proclaimed King of Italy in 1861, completing the country’s unification by annexing Rome, then the capital of the Papal States, in 1870.
This period of Italian history is known as the Risorgimento.
Exploring the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
The Architecture of the Monument
You certainly won’t miss Il Vittoriano! Measuring 140 meters / 460 ft wide and 70 meters / 230 ft high (with a total area of 17,550 m²), the monument’s immaculate silhouette—built from white Brescia marble and travertine—commands attention.
Constructed in a neo-classical style with eclectic elements, the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II is rich in architectural features. Here’s a list of must-see elements:
- The Equestrian Statue of Victor Emmanuel II: Located atop the grand marble stairs at the front of the monument, this massive bronze statue, standing 12 meters / 40 ft high, was sculpted by Enrico Chiaradia.
- The Altar of the Fatherland: Honoring soldiers who died in World War I, this altar houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame guarded by two soldiers day and night.
- Statues of Minerva as Victory (Athena Nike) Driving a Quadriga: These two bronze statues atop the monument symbolize Unity and Liberty.
- The Bas-Reliefs: Created by Eugenio Maccagnani, they depict the capitals of the former Italian states.
- The Portico: Spanning 72 meters / 236 ft and supported by 16 Corinthian columns, each 15 meters / 50 ft high.
- The Frieze Sculptures: Representing the 16 Italian regions at the time of unification (Italy now has 20 regions).
- The Fountains: Representing the seas bordering Italy, the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, located on either side of the monument.
The Museum of the Risorgimento
Il Vittoriano also houses the Museum of the Risorgimento, which details the history of Italy’s unification through various artifacts and historical documents, including flags, archives, and weapons.
While primarily aimed at an Italian audience, feel free to visit if you have the time. However, it’s not considered one of Rome’s must-see museums.
The Panoramic Terrace of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
Perched 70 meters / 230 ft above ground, at the level of the two bronze Athena statues, the panoramic terrace offers breathtaking views of Rome. A glass elevator (fee required) takes you to the top.
Practical Information
Getting There
The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II is located on Piazza Venezia, opposite Palazzo Venezia.
Several bus lines (40, 46, 63, 70, 81, 83, 87, etc.) stop at the square.
The nearest metro station is Colosseo on line B, about 1km / 0.6 mile away on foot.
Hop-on hop-off tourist buses also stop nearby.
For Your Information
Unlimited access to public transportation is included in the Omnia Card. For more information, click here.
Opening Hours
Il Vittoriano is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM (last access to the panoramic elevator is at 6:45 PM). The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occurs every hour.
Admission Fees
Access to the monument is free. However, there is a €17 fee to use the panoramic elevator (€4 reduced rate / free for visitors under 18 and those with disabilities).
The ticket includes entry to the Museum of the Risorgimento and Palazzo Venezia.
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