VIEWS FROM OUR ROOFTOP TERRACE: VITTORIANO

The enormous white marble monument located in Piazza Venezia was built as a tribute to the first King of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.

after his army joined forces with Garibaldi and defeated the papal army, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861 with Victor Emmanuel as King.

Winged Lion Statue

Construction

In 1885 construction of the monument started after a design by Giuseppe Sacconi. The site on the northern slope of the capitoline hill was cleared to make way for the monument. Roman ruins and medieval churches were destroyed in the process. In 1911, at the 50th anniversary of the new kingdom, the new symbol of a united Italy was inaugurated.

The Corridor

The monument, also known as 'Il Vittoriano' consists of a large flight of stairs leading to the Altar of the Nation, dominated by a colossal 12m long equestrian statue of the King. At the foot of the statue is the tomb of the unknown soldier, guarded by two sentries of honor. The monument is rounded off with a long corridor featuring 15m/50ft high columns. On top of the corridor are two bronze quadrigae, each with a winged Victory.

Views

View from Il Vittoriano

Tthe Victor Emmanuel monument has been given nicknames such as 'typewriter' and 'wedding cake'.

The monument is well worth the visit, if only for the great views from the top. The top of the Il Vittoriano is also connected to the Capitoline Hill. Most of the time the Monument hosts important exhibitions of world famous artists. Running exhibition 'till july 2012 "Salvador Dali".