Landmark

Victor Emmanuel II Monument

4.5 · 12,541 reviews
Victor Emmanuel II MonumentMax_Ryazanov · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The Victor Emmanuel II Monument, also known as the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland), is a striking neoclassical structure in Piazza Venezia. Built between 1885 and 1935, it commemorates Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. The monument features a massive equestrian statue of the king, grand staircases, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visitors can ascend to the panoramic terraces via elevator or stairs for breathtaking views of the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and city rooftops. The building also houses the Central Museum of the Risorgimento, detailing Italy's unification. Its gleaming white marble from Brescia makes it a controversial yet unmissable landmark.

Don't miss

  • Equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II – a colossal bronze statue
  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a solemn war memorial with an eternal flame
  • Panoramic terraces – 360-degree views of Rome from the top
  • Central Museum of the Risorgimento – exhibits on Italian unification
  • The Altar of the Fatherland – the central altar honoring the nation

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Victor Emmanuel II Monument

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

More attractions in Rome

Planning your trip to Rome? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Rome itinerary.