Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The monument was constructed on the slopes of the Capitoline Hill, requiring the destruction of a medieval neighborhood and monastery.

2. 2

   The bronze equestrian statue is so large that a celebratory dinner for 20 people was held inside the horse's belly before it was hoisted into place.

3. 3

   The two bronze chariots at the top represent the 'Unity of the Motherland' and the 'Freedom of Citizens'.

4. 4

   The monument contains the remains of an unknown soldier from World War I, guarded by an eternal flame and a permanent honor guard.

5. 5

   The building was intentionally designed to look like a giant altar to emphasize the secular religion of Italian unification.

6. 6

   It is the largest marble construction in the world.

7. 7

   The interior contains a library specializing in the history of the Risorgimento, containing over 100,000 volumes.

Overview

The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, known as the Vittoriano, is a colossal white Brescian marble structure built to honor the first king of a unified Italy. Located at the edge of Piazza Venezia, it serves as the Altare della Patria, housing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame. Designed by Giuseppe Sacconi, the monument features a 12-meter-high equestrian bronze statue of Victor Emmanuel II. Construction began in 1885 and spanned several decades, incorporating neoclassical and eclectic architectural styles. The complex includes the Central Museum of the Risorgimento and the Sacrario delle Bandiere. Visitors can access the terrace via a panoramic glass elevator for views of the Roman Forum and the historic center. The monument's massive size and stark white material earned it the local nickname 'the wedding cake' or 'false teeth'. It remains an active site for state ceremonies and military commemorations.

Insider tips

• Use the exterior staircases to reach the first level for impressive views without needing to pay for the lift.

• Visit the back side of the monument to find a quieter path that overlooks the ruins of the Roman Forum.

• Carry a water bottle as the white marble creates a significant heat-island effect in summer months.