Il Vittoriano, Rome

...what is beautiful in architecture), Il Vittoriano is a monument dedicated to the first king of a united Italy, Vittorio Emmanuell II.

Until this time, Italy had been a series of fragmented states, governed or ruled by various foreign powers, including the Spanish Bourbon family and the Austrian Metternich empire. Piedmont in the north was the only one to not be ruled by a foreign presence, but for a long while suffered due to despotic ...
...Also, the top of the Il Vittoriano is connected to the campidoglio, saving you another climb of the capitoline hill. It's worth going this way to look around too. There are some parking spaces out the back, which will help if you want to do this the other way around!

Overall, there's not much else to say about it, as I'm sure many locals feel! In my opinion, visually it's excellent to go and have a look at and to visit the museum. ... more

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Called "The Typewriter" and "The Birthday Cake" by Romans because of its appearance (which differs from the popular Roman opinion of what is beautiful in architecture), Il Vittoriano is a monument dedicated to the first king of a united Italy, Vittorio Emmanuell II.

Until this time, Italy had been a series of fragmented states, governed or ruled by various foreign powers, including the Spanish Bourbon family and the Austrian Metternich empire. Piedmont in the north was the only one to not be ruled by a foreign presence, but for a long while suffered due to despotic and reactionary leaders. Vittorio Emmanuell however, along with Cavour who was the Prime Minister of Piedmont, ruled during a time of change which included the want for independence. These two and Garibaldi (an amazing leader and soldier) were mostly responsible for Italian unification, along with various other influences outside of Italy such as France and various European wars of the Century.

Eventually Italy became one (almost, they were still awaiting a small bit of territory into the early 20th Century) and Emmanuell was king. He'd become a symbol for a united Italy that was looking to progress and catch up with the rest of Europe.

Construction of the monument began in 1885 and was designed by Guiseppe Sacconi. In the process of building this, various Roman ruins and medieval churches were destroyed. It's located on the northern slope of the Capitoline hill. On it sits the giant (12m long) equestrian gilt bronze statue of Emmanuell. On either end of the top of the monument are two bronze quadrigae, each with a winged Victory.The marble structure was finally unveiled on the 50th anniversary of the unification of Italy, 1911.

Although it's seen as an eyesore, due to its form and stark white marble and although it's hated by locals for many reasons (including ruining the view of Capitoline hill and for being an example of arrogant and self important architecture) it's got a great view and does hold some brilliant information.

From the monument you can see down to the Piazza Venezia which is directly infront. Located here is the insurance company Assicurizioni Generali, who at one time employed Kafka. Also here is the Palazzo di Venezia which is the palace that housed Mussolini during the second world war. On the other side of the square is Via del Corso (one of the most popular and largest shopping streets in Rome), running north all the way up to Piazza del Popolo. Apparently on clear days you can spot the Egyptian Ramses II obelisk which stands here. It basically stands over most of contemporary Rome. The view from the top is fantastic and definitely worth seeing.

When you reach the actual monument you'll see the large flight of stairs that leads to the Altar of the Nation, this is where the broze statue is. Nearby is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is always guarded by two sentries of honour. This is a memorial to all those killed during World War I. Behind the memorial is a long corridor with incredibly large columns or pillars.

On entry to the inside of the building you'll notice how unsensational it is. I think this partially because there's memorial outside but mostly because the Italians don't even like it let alone want to spend money on making it an attraction! It hosts the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento which is an exhibition of the history of Italian unification. It's a fascinating exhibition, but quite played down and in my opinion not given enough importance. It also frequently holds art exhibitions.
The inside of the building is quite dark, mostly black as I recall and doesn't feel at all like an exhibit or an attraction. It is worth seeing though, definitely.

Also, the top of the Il Vittoriano is connected to the campidoglio, saving you another climb of the capitoline hill. It's worth going this way to look around too. There are some parking spaces out the back, which will help if you want to do this the other way around!

Overall, there's not much else to say about it, as I'm sure many locals feel! In my opinion, visually it's excellent to go and have a look at and to visit the museum. But I can appreciate that it's quite a dominant attraction that does impose slightly on it's surroundings. But at the end of the day, it's there now and it is beautiful in its own way so why not make the most of it. Why not improve the inside and collect some revenue out of something that has loads of potential! I do love this building and think it should definitely be visited. 

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