European Ribbon

📖  Introduction

Rising above Venice Square, the massive white monument known as the Altar of the Fatherland is Italy’s national monument, symbolizing the country’s unity. It was built in honor of the first king of unified Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, whose efforts led to Italy’s unification. The common name of the structure, ‘Vittoriano,’ comes from the Italian version of the king’s name. This monument is also one of Rome’s main landmarks, offering stunning panoramic views from its impressive terraces.

Standing atop the Capitoline Hill, the symbolic heart of ancient Rome, the Vittoriano bridges past and present, marking the division between the city’s ancient and modern parts.

50 Years of Building the Vittoriano

The decision to build the Vittoriano was made in 1878, following the conclusion of Italy’s unification process, which began in 1859 and spanned several years, known as the Risorgimento. The national monument aimed to honor the immense role played by the recently deceased, beloved King Victor Emmanuel II, who earned the revered title ‘Father of the Fatherland’ for his contributions to unification. At the heart of the monument stands an enormous, 50-ton equestrian statue of the king, mounted on a pedestal adorned with figures of 14 women, symbolizing the noble cities of Italy that once served as capitals of maritime republics.

The construction of the Vittoriano lasted nearly 50 years and sparked controversy from the start due to the need to demolish much of Venice Square. The entire eastern side, including Palazzo Torlonia designed by Carlo Fontana in the late 17th century, was cleared. Old houses, including Michelangelo’s former residence, were razed. The Venetian Palace was partially preserved by relocating it away from the Capitoline Hill. During the excavation work, as is often the case with projects in Rome, numerous remarkable artifacts were unearthed, including sections of the Servian Wall, tunnels, and ancient corridors.

Celebration of Labor, Unity, and Freedom

Designed by Giuseppe Sacconi, the Vittoriano monument draws inspiration from Hellenistic sanctuaries, including the Great Altar of Zeus displayed in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum.

The Vittoriano boasts a simple yet monumental form, resembling a modern forum or agora dominated by grand staircases and terraces. The entire complex is massive, standing 266 feet tall, 443 feet wide, and 427 feet deep.

At the base of the monument are two fountains representing Italy’s two main seas: the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian. The upper part features a grand, curved colonnade known as the Terrace of the Redeemed Cities, framed by sixteen Corinthian columns, each 49 feet high. At the top are two quadrigas with the goddess Victoria, symbolizing Unity and Freedom—one crafted by Carl Fontana and the other by Paolo Bartolini. These quadrigas are connected by the Terrace of the Quadrigas, opened to the public in 2007 and accessible via a glass elevator.

At the heart of the structure is the Altar of the Fatherland terrace, open to the public and adorned with Italian national flags.

No religious symbols are present; instead, the monument emphasizes human values, the strength of spirit, and dedication to the common good, social harmony, and justice. The sculptures and reliefs celebrate the triumph of labor and patriotism. Standing out against a golden mosaic is the goddess Roma, representing Rome, with a spear in her hand and a helmet on her head.

The Altar of the Fatherland

Though unfinished, the monument was inaugurated on June 4, 1911, to mark the International Exhibition in Turin and the 50th anniversary of Italian unification, attended by King Victor Emmanuel III. Ten years later, at the feet of the goddess Roma, the body of an unknown soldier—a casualty of World War I—was buried, in memory of countless soldiers who lost their lives without a known name or resting place. Thus, the Vittoriano became the Altar of the Fatherland, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honored by a perpetual flame and ceremonial guard.

Inside the monument, visitors can find the Central Museum of Italian Unification, a hall of flags and banners of historic military units, and the Museum of Italian Emigration.

Controversy

From the outset, the monument sparked controversy—first due to its massive scale and the need to destroy historic buildings, and later during the Fascist era. Both the Vittoriano and Venice Square were effectively commandeered by Mussolini’s regime. The monument, envisioned as grand and pure, symbolizing Italy’s greatness, was ironically exploited by a regime that trampled on these ideals. Mussolini, often called “Il Duce,” loved to view it while delivering speeches from the nearby balcony of the Palazzo Venezia. It became one of Rome’s most photographed landmarks, serving as a backdrop for fascist rallies and events.

After World War II, despite the removal of fascist symbols, the structure remained unpopular for many years. It was associated more with fascism than with its original liberal ideals, earning unflattering nicknames like the “typewriter” and “wedding cake”. It was frequently vandalized, painted over, and even targeted in a 1969 bombing by terrorists, which, while damaging the monument, fortunately caused no casualties.

The Vittoriano Today

Today, the Vittoriano has regained its stature as the site of Italy’s most significant state ceremonies. Military parades pass through, and the President of the Republic lays commemorative wreaths here. It impresses and surprises tourists, who are particularly drawn to its scenic terraces—the lower one is open to the public, while the highest terrace offers a 360-degree panoramic view.

🚶‍♀️‍➡️Visit

In the public-access section, visitors can reach the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the terrace at the level of Victor Emmanuel II’s equestrian statue.

The museum entrance is on the right side of the building, with tickets available at a kiosk by the door. The paid section of the Vittoriano includes the interior museums, the colonnaded terrace, and access to the highest Terrace of the Quadrigas. Tickets are bundled with entry to the Palazzo Venezia and are valid for seven days from entry to the Vittoriano.