Guest Post By: Margie Miklas
Although it is not the most popular tourist site in Rome, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is hard to miss since it is 443 feet in width and practically occupies an entire piazza. Over two million visitors a year stop inside the monument to see the museums, visit the tomb of Italy’s Unknown Soldier and to take advantage of one of the best views of Rome.
Not so popular with the locals, this monstrous building has been nicknamed “The Giant Typewriter” and “The Wedding Cake.” It is in stark contrast to the other ancient buildings in Rome mostly due to its stark white color, gleaming for all to see. It was constructed from Brescian marble which maintains its bright white color through the years, to the dismay of the Italians.
History
The Vittorio Emanuele II monument was designed at the end of the 19 th century and built in the early 20 th century to honor the first king of unified Italy. King Vittorio Emanuele had been the king of Sardinia and when Italy was unified as a country in 1861 he became the first king. Practically every city in Italy has either a monument or a piazza or a street named in his honor.
Architectural Design
The designer of this monument was Giuseppe Sacconi and the monument measures 230 feet high and is 443 feet wide. There are several staircases, colonnades, fountains, an equestrian statue with King Vittorio Emanuele and on the top are two sculptures of the goddess Victoria riding in Quadrigas or chariots with horses.
The grand staircase takes you to the level of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and from there are two additional staircases that go to the top level. An eternal flame burns 24 hours a day at the entrance to the tomb with honor guards in attendance day and night.
Visitor Information
In 2007 a glass elevator was constructed, saving you some steps going to the top, although there still are a number steps to reach the level of the elevator entrance. For a cost of seven euros you can ride the Sky Elevator to the top level called the Terrace of the Quadrigas for one of the best panorama views of the city. For those who love to get their daily exercise (although there is no lack of opportunity walking in Rome), it takes about ten minutes to walk up all of the steps from the ground level to the top.
On your next visit to the Eternal City you may be curious enough to take the Sky Elevator and capture some unbelievable vistas from high above the Roman Forum.
Guest Post By: Margie Miklas
