Altare della Patria

The Altare della Patria, also known as the Victorian Monument, is one of the most imposing buildings in the centre of Rome. This monumental white marble complex was built in honour of the first king of unified Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, and can be found right on Piazza Venezia. Locals sometimes call it “the typewriter” or “the wedding cake” and it’s no wonder, this giant and ornate colossus commands attention at first sight.

Entrance to the lower parts of the memorial is free, so you can walk the monumental staircase, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the ceremonial guard and enjoy the first views of the city. However, if you’d like to go all the way to the top, to the panoramic terrace, you’ll need to buy a ticket and be taken by elevator to the very top. But the view is worth it – you’ll see the entire Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Roman rooftops right below you, right up to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica.

Right next to the monument is the beautiful Baroque church of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, a quiet contrast to the monumental Altare della Patria. Just climb a few steps and you’ll find yourself in a quiet and historically significant space.

And if you walk just a few steps further towards the Capitoline Square, you’ll find the famous statue of a Roman wolf nursing Romulus and Remus – a legendary symbol of the founding of Rome.

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Italy

Rome: Wandering through a city of history and taste