Vittoriano

The Vittoriano Memorial Complex is the hallmark of Rome. The memorial is notable for its outstanding architecture, and is also famous for its observation deck and its museums.

History of origin

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Italian Parliament decided to perpetuate the memory of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of united Italy, and erected the Vittoriano memorial in his honor, Giuseppe Sacconi was chosen as the architect. Under his leadership, construction work was slow, due to the difficulty of constructing such an extensive complex. After Sacconi's death, the work was continued by Koch, Manfredi, and Piacentini, under whose leadership the work was completed in 1911.

Architecture of Vittoriano

It should be noted that the construction of this facility was negatively received by the residents of Rome, as it was huge and did not fit into the general background of the small structures located on this block. The architecture of the building itself is impressive - here you can find grandiose steps, bas-reliefs, sculptures, as well as the famous frieze, which is located above the colonnade. This frieze is decorated with statues that represent the sixteen regions of Italy. In the center of the Vittoriano Memorial is a sculpture of Victor Emanuel II, made of bronze, which is decorated with nearby statues symbolizing the cities of Italy - Turin, Naples, Genoa, Milan, Urbino, Mantua, Pisa, Amalfi, Florence, Palermo, Venice, Balogna, Ravenna and Ferrara.

The heart of Vittoriano is the Altar of the Fatherland, in the center of which there is a sculpture of the goddess Roma. Next to it there are bas-reliefs, each of which has its own meaning - Love of the fatherland, love of work, agriculture, cattle breeding and agriculture. The ashes of an Unknown soldier, a participant in the First World War, who was buried in 1921, were buried in the inner part of the altar. An honor guard is constantly standing in front of this burial and an eternal flame is burning.

There are three museums inside the Vittoriano Memorial - the Risorgimento Museum, the Museum of Italian Emigration and the Museum of Naval Banners. The famous observation deck is located on the roof of the complex, the only place with a view of old Rome. You can also view the streets and sights of Rome from this platform. This place is very popular with tourists, as you can take very beautiful photos here.

Vittoriano is a memorial complex that is a symbol of a united Italy, so the Romans are very proud of it. The complex is full of the spirit of Italy. Every visitor will surely get an aesthetic pleasure from seeing the beauties of the architecture of the old time, which has been preserved to our times in its original form.