A Guide to the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument in Rome

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The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument is one of the most striking landmarks in Rome. Italians often call it the Vittoriano or the Altare della Patria, meaning Altar of the Fatherland. It was built to honour Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, and stands as a powerful symbol of the nation.

The monument rises between Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill, right in the heart of Rome. Built between 1885 and 1935, it was designed to celebrate Italian unity and the long struggle that led to the creation of the modern Italian state.

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Who Was Victor Emmanuel II?

Victor Emmanuel II played a central role in the unification of Italy during the 19th century. He led the process that brought together different regions into one nation, ending foreign rule and fragmentation. Because of this, Italians gave him the title Father of the Fatherland (Padre della Patria).

The monument honours not only the king himself, but also the entire period of the Risorgimento, the movement that led to Italian unification.

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Why the Monument Was Built

After Victor Emmanuel II died in January 1878, the Italian Parliament decided to build a permanent monument in his honour. The aim was to create a national symbol that represented unity, freedom, and the birth of a new Italy.

The site chosen was the northern slope of Capitoline Hill, an area filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings. Large-scale demolitions were carried out to make room for the monument, reflecting the wider goal of turning Rome into a modern European capital that could stand alongside cities like Paris, London, Berlin, and Vienna.

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Why Romans Have Mixed Feelings About Their Own Monument

Romans call it the “wedding cake” or the “typewriter” — and not with affection. The Victor Emmanuel II Monument divides opinion in Rome like no other building. Built between 1885 and 1935 to celebrate Italian unification, it was designed to be the grandest structure in modern Rome. In achieving that goal, it destroyed an entire medieval neighbourhood and blocked the view from the Capitoline Hill that had existed for two thousand years.

Love it or loathe it, the rooftop terrace is the best free panoramic viewpoint in central Rome — and almost nobody queues for it, because they are all standing in line for the Colosseum instead.

Location and Setting

The Vittoriano sits between ancient and modern Rome. From Piazza Venezia, roads spread out into the newer parts of the city, while behind the monument lies Capitoline Hill, one of the most important areas of ancient Rome.

Nearby, visitors can find Trajan’s Forum, Trajan’s Market, and the Church of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, which stands directly behind the monument.

Design and Architecture

The monument was designed by architect Giuseppe Sacconi. From the beginning, it was planned as a modern forum — a large public space open to citizens. The design is arranged over three levels connected by stairways, creating wide terraces for walking and reflection.

Its architectural style is neoclassical, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings. Sacconi drew ideas from Hellenistic sanctuaries such as the Pergamon Altar and the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia in Palestrina. The aim was to create a national style that reflected the power and history of Italy.

Key Architectural Features

The Vittoriano is massive in scale. It is 135 metres wide, 130 metres deep, and 70 metres high. With the quadrigas and Winged Victories included, the height reaches 81 metres.

Some of its main features include:

• 243 external steps
• A central staircase 41 metres wide
• A long colonnade with columns 15 metres high
• Two propylaea at the summit, one dedicated to the unity of the homeland and the other to the freedom of citizens
• Fountains symbolising the Adriatic Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea

The monument is built mainly from white Botticino marble from Brescia, a choice that later led to its famous nicknames.

Sculptures and Symbolism

Most of the sculptures on the Vittoriano are allegorical. They represent virtues and feelings linked to Italian unification, such as unity, freedom, sacrifice, and victory.

Vegetal symbols are also used throughout the monument:

• Palm for victory
• Oak for strength
• Laurel for victorious peace
• Myrtle for sacrifice
• Olive tree for concord

The only non-allegorical sculpture is the large equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, which forms the architectural centre of the monument. It was unveiled in 1911 and made from 50 tons of bronze, created by melting down army cannons.

The Altar of the Fatherland

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The Altare della Patria forms a central part of the monument. It was added to the design during construction and was originally dedicated to the goddess Roma. A large statue of Roma was placed on the first terrace, just below the equestrian statue of the king.

Because of its strong symbolic value, the name Altare della Patria later came to refer to the entire monument, not just the altar itself.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

After World War I, the Vittoriano was chosen as the site for the Tomb of the Italian Unknown Soldier. The body was selected in 1921 by Maria Bergamas, whose son had died in the war and was never identified.

The unknown soldier was buried beneath the statue of the goddess Roma on 4 November 1921, during a state funeral. His tomb represents all Italian soldiers who died or went missing in war.

An eternal flame burns beside the tomb, guarded at all times by honour guards from different branches of the Italian Armed Forces. Nearby, a plaque reads “Italians Abroad to the Motherland”, remembering donations made by Italian emigrants for the monument’s construction.

The Monument During the 20th Century

During the Fascist period, the Vittoriano was used as a stage for military parades under Benito Mussolini. After World War II and the creation of the Italian Republic in 1946, Fascist symbols were removed, and the monument returned to its original role as a national memorial.

In the late 20th century, its importance as a national symbol faded for a time. This changed in the early 2000s, when President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi encouraged a renewed appreciation of Italy’s national monuments, including the Vittoriano.

Museums and Interior Spaces

Inside the monument are extensive interior and underground spaces. The base houses the Museum of Italian Unification, also known as the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento Italiano.

The Vittoriano also contains the Sacrario delle Bandiere, where flags and military artefacts from disbanded Italian army units are preserved, including historic vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels.

Visiting the Vittoriano Today

In 2007, a panoramic glass lift was added to the monument. This lift takes visitors to the highest terrace, offering 360-degree views of Rome. The terrace can also be reached by climbing 196 steps from the portico.

From the top, visitors can see major landmarks such as the Imperial Forums, the Pantheon, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and Via del Corso.

Every year, the Vittoriano plays a key role in national celebrations, including:

• 25 April – Liberation Day
• 2 June – Republic Day
• 4 November – Armed Forces Day

On these occasions, the President of the Italian Republic and senior officials lay a laurel wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, paying tribute to those who died for the nation.

Why the Vittoriano Matters Today

The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument remains one of Italy’s strongest national symbols. It represents unity, sacrifice, and the long path toward a free and unified country. Standing at the centre of Rome, it continues to link Italy’s past with its present, reminding visitors of the history that shaped the nation.

This video shows off the scale of the monument, some of its sculptures, as well as a brief overview of its history and significance:

Planning Your Visit: What You Need to Know

The Vittoriano is open every day from 09:30 to 19:30 (last entry 18:45). Entry to the monument itself is free. The panoramic glass lift to the rooftop terrace costs €7 per person, and tickets are purchased at the base. There is no advance booking — you simply queue. The wait is rarely more than 10 minutes, even in peak season, because most tourists do not know the lift exists.

Allow 60–90 minutes for a proper visit. That gives you time to walk through the main halls, visit the Museo del Risorgimento (free), and take the lift to the top. If you only have 30 minutes, skip the museum and go straight to the terrace — the view alone justifies the stop.

The nearest metro station is Colosseo (Line B), a 10-minute walk away. Buses 40, 64 and 170 all stop at Piazza Venezia, directly in front of the monument. There is no dedicated parking.

Photography is allowed everywhere, including the rooftop terrace. The best photos come in the late afternoon when the white marble glows in warm light. Morning visitors get a clear view of the Roman Forum from the eastern side of the terrace.

There are clean public toilets inside the monument at ground level — one of the few free facilities in central Rome. The small bookshop near the entrance sells postcards and historical guides at reasonable prices.

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