The Monument to King Victor Emmanuel 2 Rome, is dedicated to the man who was considered the father of the Fatherland, since it was under his reign that United Italy was born.
The Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) is located in the Italian capital and is a must-see, as it is representative of an era that is certainly very distant, but at the same time, representative of Rome itself.
You could say it’s a real landmark for tourists visiting Rome: it’s hard to imagine a visit to the Italian capital without passing by the Altare della Patria.
It’s a story that spans two centuries, beginning with the death of King Victor Emmanuel II in 1878. From that moment on, a very ambitious project was launched, namely that of a monument in his honor. At the same time, while all other countries were embracing ideals such as freedom and democracy, Italy remained firmly loyal to the monarchy.
In particular, the Italians’ loyalty was to the king himself. The idea was to pay homage to him through a work as lofty as Altare della Patria.
History tells of a real competition organized to create the King’s monument. The event was in fact open to the whole world, and called for the design of a commemorative monument dedicated solely to the monarch.
There was no reference to the unification of Italy, and above all, it had to contain certain elements already prescribed in the advert: the column, the equestrian statue or the triumphal arch.
There was no wording, however, on place and form, in order to give the artists the freedom to express themselves. There were 293 participants, and the project by Henry-Paul Nénot, a famous French architect, was chosen, even though he was retired at the time.
However, as the architect’s project was not fully approved, it was rejected in favor of another competition announced in 1882. This latest project is inspired by a previously submitted idea for an equestrian statue with a backdrop or staircase to be placed on the Capitol.
The decision was taken to place the Monument in the heart of Eternal Rome, on Piazza Venezia, inside the Vittoriano, after the imposing and important urban redevelopment of the Capitoline area.
The competition was won in 1884 by architect Giuseppe Sacconi, who proposed a classical revival. The idea was for a modern forum that would be open to the public, with a beautiful piazza on three levels linked by staircases, with large areas for visitors to the Monument to King Victor Emmanuel II.
However, the architect had to make a few changes, as there were many other points of interest, houses and churches right next to the Capitol.
So when Sacconi died in 1905, his colleagues Ettore Ferrari and Pio Piacentini completed the building.
A truly remarkable structure in Greek Revival style, located just inside the Piazza Venezia in the Capitoline area. With a height of 80 meters and a width of 100 meters, it has a total surface area of 20,000 square meters.
The structure, entirely clad in Botticino marble, imposingly conceals the Palazzo Capitolino and the Ara Coeli. The white color symbolizes grandeur in contrast to the light and shade of Rome.
Visiting it is almost a must for any tourist who falls in love with the Italian capital, because it’s part of the history of the last 200 years and, above all, it corresponds to an Italy that may no longer exist. But which, in a certain sense, is grateful to certain personalities for its greatness.
The monument to King Victor Emmanuel II was inaugurated on June 4, 1911, to mark the 50th anniversary of the unification of Italy. It was finally completed with finishing touches in 1935. In 1921, it became the site designated not only as the Altar of the Fatherland, but also as the burial place of the Unknown Soldier.
It is a commemorative space dedicated to the soldiers killed in the First World War, and a symbol of those who fell in battle for the Fatherland.
The body was chosen from among 11 people who had returned from the battle dead but had not been identified. Chosen by a mother who had lost her son and wanted justice, even if it wasn’t him. On November 4, 1921, the Unknown Soldier was buried in a solemn public ceremony just beneath the Monument du Roi.
The story certainly doesn’t end there. Another reason to visit the Monument and Piazza Venezia is the historical and unfortunately evil value of this place.
In fact, between 1929 and 1943, Palazzo Venezia was the headquarters of the Grand Council of Fascism, where, unfortunately, right next to the Victor Emmanuel II monument, Mussolini gave his speeches. Part of the building is part of St. Mark’s Basilica, and we can also see the Roman statue of Madama Lucrezia.
This area is also home to the National Institute of Archaeology and Art History and the Palazzo Venezia National Museum. The Palazzo Bonaparte, where Napoleon’s mother Letizia Ramolino lived until 1818, is also worth a visit from a historical point of view.
Getting to the Vittoriano, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland, isn’t difficult as it can be seen from afar due to its grandeur. Access is free and can be visited all year round, but since 2007 we’ve been offering an additional service, the Quadrighe terrace: panoramic elevator to Rome at 7.00 euro.
The times we are talking about simply refer to the visit of the panoramic terrace by elevator: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm with last entrance at 5:45 pm and Friday to Sunday and public holidays from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm with last entrance at 6:45 pm.
We strongly advise against the early morning hours, which are always crowded with tourists. It’s best to visit after lunchtime. Children under 18 pay only 3.50 euros, as do over-65s.
It is possible to book a tour with an audioguide, but this obviously depends on the service you are looking for. It is also possible to book a guided tour at certain sites.
In conclusion:
It’s a visit we particularly recommend during a stay in the Italian capital. The panoramic terrace is also very interesting, although the ticket price is a little high, but well worth it.
The Vittoriano represents an important cultural part of Italy and, for Italians, it attributes moments of great glory and moments to remember so as not to repeat them.