Victor Emmanuel Monument

As King of Sardinia Victor Emmanuel had become a symbol of the movement for a united Italy. After his army joined forces with Garibaldi and defeated the papal army, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861 with Victor Emmanuel as King.

In 1885 construction of the monument started after a design by Giuseppe Sacconi. The site on the northern slope of the capitoline hill was cleared to make way for the monument. Roman ruins and medieval churches were destroyed in the process. In 1911, at the 50th anniversary of the new kingdom, the new symbol of a united Italy was inaugurated.

The monument, also known as 'Il Vittoriano' consists of a large flight of stairs leading to the Altar of the Nation, dominated by a colossal 12m long equestrian statue of the King. Near the statue is the tomb of the unknown soldier, guarded by two sentries of honor. At the back is a long corridor with 15m/50ft high columns. On top of the corridor are two bronze quadrigae, each with a winged Victory.

Not the most beautiful structure in Rome, the Victor Emmanuel monument has been given nicknames such as 'typewriter' and 'wedding cake'.

The monument is nevertheless well worth the visit, if only for the great views from the top. The top of the Il Vittoriano is also connected to the campidoglio, saving you another climb of the capitoline hill.