Vittoriano, Altar of the Fatherland
II Vittoriano, a white marbled monument in Rome (Italy), was completed during Mussolini’s rule and it was received many criticisms. During its construction, it destroyed some part of the Capitoline Hill and historical area. Additionally its architecture design was considered different compared to the rest of historical buildings around Rome. Before my visit, I have read some articles mentioned that the monument has several nick names that showing the dislikes towards its architecture style, such as “the False Teeth” and “the Type Writer”. The Romans called the building as ‘torta nuzziale’ (wedding cake) building. Do you think its looks like a wedding cake? I can imagine it was because of the multi-levels of the building. Additionally, the building was not in favor of the Romans because it has boxy and white colored architecture that was not considered blend in to its surrounding landscape. Due to its super white color, this monument had to get “clean up” several times.
Aside to political propaganda during the Mussolini’s regime in which I am not going to discuss here, the monument was aimed to honor Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, and later on, to honor the first World War victims. There is a tomb of the unknown soldier from the war under a statue called as Dea Roma. The tomb is guarded by two military officers to show respect and in honoring the service of the unknown soldiers. I believe it is a common value shared by military corps around the world.
There are several statues crafted by Italian artists in the 19th centuries to represent the values of unified Italy. Quite provoking statues. Visitors also allowed to climb up to the top of the monument to see Rome from above, with entrance fee. Inside of the monument is a museum with showcase of Italian flag and historical mementos.
It was estimated there were 2 millions visitors visited the monument every year. It is large number of visitors but when we were there, the monument was not as crowded as other touristic places in Rome. I recommend to include this monument when you are going to visit Campidoglio and Roman Forum as its location is close to each other.
If you wish to climb up to the top of monument then you have to pay the lift service ticket but the monument and museum are free entrance.
Two seagulls guarding the monument
Practical Information
Location:
Piazza Venezia, Roma, Italy
Opening Time:
Every day from 9:30 to 17:30
Bus Halte to stop:
Ara Coeli- Piazza Venezia
Attractions nearby:
Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, Campidoglio, Roman Forum
indahs: dive, travel & photography 
Indah when we were in Rome we met with Stefy from e-Tinkerbell blog and her husband. They took us walking and we saw this ‘wedding cake’. Your photos are fabulous as always.
Thank you Sue 🙂 Would be funny to have wedding photography at wedding cake building, I think 🙂 I wonder if there are Italians who would like to do so..but perhaps not many due to dark history of the building..
Lovely photos, Indah! 🙂
Thank you so much! Have a wonderful weekend to you two 🙂
great wide shots 🙂
Thank you Joshi 🙂
Meskipun katanya bangunan yang “tidak cocok dengan sekitar”, tapi tetap saja spektakuler dan bisa bertahan dalam waktu lama. Pada akhirnya, ketika ketidakcocokan itu menyejarah, orang akan semakin mengingat bangunan ini. Kita memang cenderung dengan yang antimainstream ya Mbak :hihi.
Arsitektur Eropa selalu menakjubkan saya. Pilarnya, patungnya, langit-langitnya, lukisannya. Belum lagi ketebalan temboknya yang spektakuler dan cerita-cerita yang ada di dalamnya. Kerenlah.
Terimakasih Gara 🙂 Itu memang uniknya di beberapa negara yang saya kunjungi, kadang ada beberapa gedung dan monumen yang dibangun dan melambangkan sejarah kelam dari negara tersebut tapi mereka masih rela mempertahankan karena ada nilai-nilai artistik dan untuk mengingat agar masa kelam tersebut tidak terulang. Di Singapura juga seperti itu, Lee Kuan Yew dulu tidak menghancurkan gedung-gedung kolonial dari masa penjajahan Inggris terlepas kekelaman yg terjadi, dan toh sekarang gedung-gedung tersebut jadi obyek pariwisata yang menarik 🙂
Ya, setuju Mbak. Agaknya begitu juga ya dengan yang di Jakarta, meskipun Gedung Balaikota itu punya sejarah yang (sangat) kelam, untuk saat ini agak kurang pol kalau ke Jakarta belum main ke Museum Fatahillah :hehe.
Beautiful photos. Such criticism is expected when we create modern structures with disregard to the sanctity of the ancient historical monuments.
Lovely post 🙂
Thank you Dilip! I agree, and the monument could be a great reminder to mark the history 🙂
I am not sure if I really like II Vittoriano, partly because of its history but I also think it’s quite pompous. Nevertheless you have captured some great photos of it. And I still agree with you it’s absolutely worth a visit.
Thank you Otto! It is a controversial monument – from history and as well the architecture 🙂
Gorgeous as always!!!
Thank you so much Diana 😊😊
I did feel that the building was a bit jarring among the architecture of Rome, and understand where the mean nick names come from. But like you, I would definitely put it on my recommended list to visit while in Rome. Especially that view of the city from the top is lovely!
To be honest I was reluctant to visit after reading how controversial it was. But after the visit, I did not regret it at all – better to see and experience it myself 😊 Thanks Kan! Have a wonderful weekend 😊