IL VITTORIANO
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Monument built in homage to the Italian unity, one of the most imposing monuments of Rome.
The Vittoriano (more commonly known as Altare della patria, the "Altar of the Fatherland") is one of the Italian capital's most imposing monuments. Built as a tribute to Italian Unity (Italy was not unified until 1861, having previously been divided into various kingdoms) and in memory of King Victor Emmanuel II, work began in 1885 and was not completed until 1911. Architect Giuseppe Sacconi won the contract with his design. Inspired by the Pergamon altar in Berlin's Pergamon Museum, the monument in white Botticino marble required the demolition of an entire medieval quarter in order to be erected. Rich in symbolism, the side friezes representing the cities of Italy were created by sculptor Eugenio Maccagnani, while Enrico Chiarada created the large equestrian statue of the monarch. The Unknown Soldier stands at the center of the building, surrounded on the right and left by two fountains representing the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas. The Romans gave this immense building many nicknames, the most famous of which are the "typewriter" and the "wedding cake".
Beneath the Vittoriano is the Risorgimento Historical Museum, where you can learn more about this pivotal period in Italian history, and an exhibition hall. A glass elevator also leads to the top, up to the terraces.
Since July 2024, the vast 70 m-long portico, with its 16 monumental columns, has once again been open to the public.
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