National Monument to Victor Emanuel II - Altar of the Fatherland

In 1878 a royal decree formalised the wish to erect a monument to Victor Emanuel II, the recently deceased sovereign and architect of the nation’s unity.

The monument therefore had to convey ancient tradition and grandeur, in the neoclassical style, and celebrate the majesty of Rome which, after a long and troubled period, was once more made the Capital of Italy.

Many monuments and a medieval neighbourhood were demolished to make way for this massive project. The Vittoriano is situated in Piazza Venezia and on its stairway stands the Altar of the Fatherland where you can find the symbolic grave of an Unknown Soldier.

At the top of the monument are grand, majestic winged Victories riding on two bronze quadrigae mirroring the architecture of the triumphal arches.


click here: Guided tour Monuments of Rome