Vittoriano is a monumental structure. On its roof is an excellent, but paid, observation deck, which lifts the elevator behind the building. Entrance to Vittoriano is free. At the top left there is a free viewing platform with views of the Colosseum.
Vittoriano - a monument to the "Father of the Fatherland", King Victor Emmanuel II
Monument Vittoriano (Vittoriano) stands in Rome on the slope of the Capitol, decorating the slender colonnade of Venice Square. This grandiose complex immortalized the glory of Victor Emanuel II - the national hero, the first king of the united independent kingdom of Italy.
Father of the Fatherland, "Padre Della Patria" - knocked out on a royal tombstone in the Pantheon. The Italians value the memory of the great king, however, the monument to Vittoriano is ambiguous. For the too artsy and pompous appearance, the Romans call it “false jaw”, “open grand piano”, “wedding cake”.
Building
The grandiose complex that perpetuated the glory of Victor Emmanuel II
The monument was built from 1885 to 1911, the author of the project was Giuseppe Sacconi. The architect took the largest ancient buildings as a model: the Temple of Fortune from Prenesta and the Hellenistic Pergamon Altar. Vittoriano became the largest monumental object of its time. Under construction, a number of old buildings were demolished in Piazza Venezia - a whole block. The bright “palace” made of botanical marble has occupied almost the entire area with its bulk.
In 1911, a grand opening took place. After this event, work still continued - until 1935.
Equestrian statue of Victor Emanuel II
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
In front of the facade of the complex there is an equestrian monument to Father of the Fatherland - Victor Emmanuel II. To create this statue, cannons were removed from the castle of the Holy Angel and a sculpture was cast from them. The author of the monument was Angelo Zanelli.
In the middle of the ledge is a sculpture of the goddess Roma, on the sides on the bas-relief - allegorical images. On the left: Labor, Agriculture, Harvest, Cattle Breeding, Irrigation and Harvesting, then the winged genius of Labor, and then Industry, ascend to the triumphal plow. On the right: Love for the fatherland, 3 women who carry wreaths of Rome, behind them bear the standards of legions; the triumphal chariot of Love for the fatherland and the Hero; sacred fire of the Fatherland.
Protruding front
Around the monument there are 6 sculptures representing the values of Italians: Thought, Action, Consent, Strength, Sacrifice, Law.
Portico
View of the Vittoriano Monument from Venice Square
The basis of the composition of Vittoriano is a neoclassical portico with columns of the Corinthian order. On both sides, rectangular proneoses adjoin it, on the upper platforms of which two quadrigs are installed. The author of the left quadriga is Carlo Fontana; Bartolini sculpted his right chariot. The statues above the columns on the frieze symbolize 16 Italian regions.
Observation Deck - Quadrig Terrace
City view
The observation deck on the attic floor between the pronaos is called the "Quadrigue Terrace". From this terrace you can see the whole of Piazza Venice, Via del Corso, the Roman Forum, the Capitol and the Colosseum (all the Roman sights that can be seen from here are indicated on specially installed stands).
Altar of the Fatherland
Altar of the Fatherland
The Altar of the Fatherland is considered the heart of Vittoriano - a memorial located in the forward part of the monument, under the statue of the goddess Roma. Inside the altar is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of World War I. The "Altar of the Fatherland" is often called the entire complex of Vittoriano, although its officially recognized name is the National Monument of Vittorio Emmanuel II.
Two museums operate in the central part of Vittoriano: the Central Museum of Risorgimento, dedicated to the unification of Italy, and the Temple of Flags (Sacrario delle bandiere) - an exposition of the banners of the navy.
You will learn about other sights of Rome from my guide here.
"False jaw", "open grand piano", "wedding cake" - the so-called Romans Vittoriano
How to get there
Take line B metro to Colosseo Station;
Tram 8 to the Piazza Venezia stop;
by bus 46, 51, 60, 63, 80, 83, 85, 118, 160, 170, 628, N, No. 3, No. 4, No. 6, No. 8, No. 9, No. 12, No. 18, No. 20, No. 25, 190F, 780 to the Piazza Venezia stop.
