Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia (VIVE)

The Basics

The Vittoriano, also known as the Altare della Patria or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, was inaugurated in 1911 to honor the first king of the newly united Italy. Today, in addition to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento (Museum of Italian Unification), and the Sacrario delle Bandiere gallery of Italian military flags, the enormous building houses a large exhibition space in the eastern wing (Ala Brasini), which is used as a venue for temporary exhibitions. For one of the best views in the city, take the panoramic Roma dal Cielo elevator, which was added to the building in 2007, up to the rooftop Terrazza delle Quadrighe.

The Vittoriano dominates the central Piazza Venezia square near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and is included in many small-group walking tours of Rome, or guided tours by bike or car. The monument is particularly striking at night, so consider joining an evening tour to see its white-marble staircase and dramatically lit facade.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum complex inside the Vittoriano hosts important exhibitions and retrospectives of Italian and international artists, which change regularly.

• Be sure to bring your camera if you’re taking the Roma dal Cielo elevator up to the monument’s rooftop terrace.

• The monument is accessible to wheelchairs via the Via del Teatro di Marcello entrance on the right side of the building.

How to Get There

The Vittoriano has three entrances: Piazza Venezia; Via di San Pietro in Carcere on the left side of the building; and Via del Teatro di Marcello on the right. All are easily accessible from Piazza Venezia, one of the main squares in the center of Rome and a transit hub for buses and trams from the Termini train station.

When to Get There

The museum complex at the Vittoriano is open daily into the evening hours, so consider visiting after the midday crowds have dispersed. Catch the elevator to the panoramic terrace either first thing in the morning or as the sun is setting for the best photographs.

The Vittoriano Controversy

Since its completion at the beginning of the 20th century, the Vittoriano has been one of Rome’s most controversial monuments, an object of derision for many Romans due to its massive size and elaborate architecture. Over the decades, it has earned a number of nicknames from locals, including “the typewriter”, “the wedding cake”, “the dentures”, and “the trifle.”

Ways to explore

The Vittoriano, also known as the Altare della Patria or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, dominates the central Piazza Venezia square near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and is included in many tours of Rome, including evening tours to see the dramatically lit facade. Most tours don’t go inside to explore the complex.

Visit on your own (advance tickets are recommended) to see an enormous building that houses an exhibition space in the eastern Imperial Forums Wing, a venue for temporary exhibitions. For one of the best views in the city, take the panoramic elevator to the rooftop terrace.

Accessibility

The monument is accessible to wheelchairs via the Aracoeli entrance on the right side of the building.

Age limits

There is no minimum age to visit, and kids especially enjoy the panoramic elevator and rooftop terrace.

What to pack

Binoculars or a camera with zoom, battery pack

What to wear

Sunscreen and a hat if visiting the terrace, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Smoking, food and drinks

Amenities

Cafè, restrooms

Address

The Vittoriano entrances are on Piazza Venezia, one of the main squares in the center of Rome and a transit hub for buses and trams from the Termini train station.

Driving

The area around Piazza Venezia is one of the most heavily trafficked in Rome, and challenging for visitors to navigate by car. Opt to reach the monument on foot or with public transportation.

Public transportation

Piazza Venezia is a major public transportation hub, with stops along numerous bus routes from locations across the city. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo along the B line, a short walk away.

Best times to visit

The Vittoriano is open daily. Stop by at the top of the hour to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then head inside to visit the museum and exhibitions.

Best days to visit

This popular attraction is busiest on weekends and holidays. Visit on a weekday morning to bypass the crowds.

Best months to visit

Summers bring peak visitors to the Vittoriano, while late fall through early spring is when the Vittoriano, its museum, and exhibitions are relatively quiet.

Special events

The museum and exhibition space inside the Vittoriano frequently hosts temporary art and cultural exhibits. Check the VIVE website for a list of current and upcoming events.