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The Victor Emmanuel II Monument also referred to as the Altar of the Nation (Altare della Patria or Il Vittoriano) is an impressive building of white marble between Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill, inaugurated in 1911. Moreover, it provides excellent views of Rome. A military museum can be visited inside. The monument is known as “The Wedding Cake” or “The Giant Typewriter” and features allegorical statues, columns, reliefs, frescoes, and majestic staircases.
Things to Know Before Visit the Altar of The Fatherland
How long did building the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome take?
How much did building the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome cost?
Is the Altar of the Fatherland free?
Why is it called the wedding cake in Rome?
Is Altar of the Fatherland worth it?
Can you go to the top of the Altar of the Fatherland?
How tall is the Altar of the Fatherland?
Why don’t many Romans like the monument to Victor Emanuel II?
What is inside the Victor Emmanuel monument?
Is the Complesso Vittoriano a fascist building?
Is the Complesso Vittoriano a building from Ancient Rome?
History
The construction of the monument started in 1885 after Giuseppe Sacconi won an architectural contest with his design. Many ruins and medieval churches were destroyed in the process, and the northern part of the Capitoline Hill was emptied to start the works. However, Sacconi never saw his monument finished because he died in 1905, and the works were completed by Manfredo Manfredi, Pio Piacentini, and Gaetano Koch. Eventually, in 1911, the Altare della Patria was inaugurated at the fiftieth anniversary of the kingdom.
Victor Emmanuel II was the King of Sardinia and the victor over the Austrian army in Lombardy. He became a symbol of the Risorgimento, the movement for a united Italy. Moreover, after his army joined forces with Garibaldi and defeated the papal army, Victor Emmanuel was proclaimed the king of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Always at war, Emmanuel secured Venetia and Rome for Italy.
Since 1921, the Altare della Patria has held the tomb of the unknown soldier, and the eternal flame is always guarded by soldiers. The monument is 135 meters wide and 70 meters high. It is made of scores of beautiful Corinthian columns and impressive stairs made of white marble. On the top of the monument is an equestrian sculpture of Victor Emmanuel made of bronze and two chariots driven by the goddess Victoria.
The Victor Emmanuele II Monument was highly criticized during its construction because it was necessary to demolish many valuable buildings to create such a huge building in its place. Moreover, Italian citizens disagreed with the idea of building such a remarkable and eye-catching monument next to other famous ancient buildings surrounding it.
The upper section of the monument consists of a vast curved colonnade with fifteen-meter (50ft) tall columns with tiny temple-like wings. Its design was inspired by the double colonnade of the Domus Augustae with views of the Circus Maximus in the Antiquity. Inside the colonnade, some murals and statues represent the regions of Italy.
What to See Inside
Inside the building is the Institute for the History of the Italian Risorgimento and the Central Museum of the Risorgimento. This military museum is dedicated to the unification of Italy and holds weapons, flags, and other historical subjects.
Also, one of the most famous attractions of the monument is the panoramic view from the terrace located at the same height as the chariots
There are elevators to reach the upper part of the monument and enjoy the view.
Two fountains represent two seas that border Italy. The left embodies the Adriatic Sea, while the right embodies the Tyrrhenian Sea. Talking about the statue of Victor Emmanuel or “The Father of the Nation”, it is made by sculptor Enrico Chiaradia. Additionally, the weight of the statue is fifty tons and it is 12 meters long (39 ft).
The Altar of The Nation is one of Rome’s most beautiful, famous, and impressive buildings, visited daily by thousands of tourists. Undoubtedly, it is a must-see in Rome. During your visit, you can explore the history of the Eternal City and take marvelous pictures.
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