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Rome’s Wedding Cake: Il Vittoriano

Many travelers visit Rome to see the must-see attractions – the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, or the Trevi Fountain.  While all of these are certainly amazing wonders, there was a monument that also left a lasting impression for us during our visit to the Eternal City. When roaming around Rome, it’s hard to miss this massive white structure in the city center.

Rome Vittoriano wedding Cake Typewriter

The Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II) or Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) is a monument to honor the Italian unification and Vittorio Emanuele II – unified Italy’s first king.  The monument, completed in 1935, is made of pure white marble and commonly known as Il Vittoriano.

Roma Statue Vittoriano

There’s definitely a lot to take in at first glance.  This imposing landmark features a large bronze sculpture of King Vittorio Emanuele II on horseback in the center flanked on both sides by grand staircases.  There were fountains, numerous large sculptures, mosaics and Corinthian columns among others that were a bit overwhelming.

Vittoriano statue

At the center of the first balcony is the Altar of the Nation with a striking figure of the Goddess of Rome – standing against a gold mosaic background.

Goddess of Rome statue Vittoriano


Directly below the statue is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I and has been here since 1921.  Giant wreaths and an eternal flame adorn it. Two soldiers stood steadfastly on each side with some pretty serious machinery on hand.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Rome


We were there in time to watch the changing of the guards, which with any ceremony, is always interesting to see.

Changing of the guard at tomb of unlnown soldier rome

This 230 ft(70 m) high structure was definitely impressive but has also been a controversial landmark.  It was built on the slopes of Capitoline Hill where Roman ruins and medieval churches were demolished to make way for it.  Many locals aren’t too fond of it and think its flashiness doesn’t fit the more subdued color tones of most of Rome’s architecture.

Vittoriano column

It’s been called “too white”, “pompous” and “too large” — earning the nicknames of “wedding cake” and “typewriter”.  While the wedding cake comparison comes to mind right away – the typewriter association is not so obvious.

Vittoriano sculptures

This 20th century landmark certainly stands out quite a bit and looks out of place among the ruins nearby.   Its neighboring structures are comprised of old buildings with rotundas and domes.

Vittoriano first platform

Inside the structure’s base is the museum of Italian Reunification and another that houses armed forces war flags.  We didn’t visit the museums but the interior portions we saw was just as ornately decorated as the outside.

Inside Vittoriano

The major attraction at Il Vittoriano is the glass-walled elevator to the top, called Rome from the Sky, located behind the building.  There is one thing the locals can agree on though — it has stunning panoramic views of Rome from its roof.

Vittoriano glass elevator
Back of Vittoriano with glass elevator

One side overlooks most of Rome with all the domes scattered throughout the skyline and St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance while the other side is the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

Rome view with Vatican
View from Vittoriano of Vatican

While it may not be a favorite landmark or the most attractive,  it is definitely worth a visit especially for its extravagant architecture and undoubtedly one of the best ways to see Rome.

 Have you visited Il Vittoriano?  


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Il Vittoriano Rome

42 thoughts on “Rome’s Wedding Cake: Il Vittoriano”

  1. I thought “the typewriter” was the funniest name I have heard attached to a public building. Our tour bus broke down just outside the typewriter and so we had plenty of time to see the outside. Having enough of the overblown architecture, we didn’t go inside, but I can see it was a mistake not to go up to the roof.

    1. I still can’t see the typewriter reference on this building. The inside was just as overblown as the outside – it was pretty bright too. Yes, the rooftop views were amazing.

  2. Lovely shots! Looks much prettier than I remember it. Maybe I was biased because all the people from Rome I ever met think it’s an ugly building and aren’t shy talking about it that way.

  3. Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista

    I would definitely visit this monument when in Rome. . . it is beautiful! I love all the intricate carvings on the walls. I can see the cake reference but typewriter not so much.

    1. I know what you mean with the whole wedding cake. It was beautiful in its own unique way. There ws certainly a lot of carvings and I felt like I needed a map to tell me what each meant.

  4. Never visited this building though it looks hard to miss. Wonder how they keep all that white
    marble clean in this day and age of air pollution.
    Very nice shots.

  5. Mary, we kind of bumped into it when we strolled through the streets of Rome.
    We loved it! As you described it is huge and white, but the view is amazing and also the story behind the monument is impressive. Absolutely worth a visit!!
    Emiel

  6. Love the photos! i had seen the building when i was in Rome, but didn’t go in or really visit it. Its nice to see these photos and get a better understanding of the place!

  7. We walked past it on our way to the Colosseum but didn’t have time to stop and explore. I loved your pics – feel like I’ve seen it now. Next time I’m in Rome I will definitely be going to the top for the view though.

    1. You’re welcome. I guess Rome has so much attractions and ruins that it gets knowcked down the top places to visit. We happened to be there because our hotel bus dropped us off nearby.

  8. How many rock formations need to be destructed in order to build these giant monuments? They are beautiful and all, but all I can think about is the poor rocks and how they had to cut and polished for our own enjoyment. I am shedding a tear. Beautiful photos!

    1. Thanks Justin! The marble came from a little town called Brecia in northern Italy. I shed a tear more for the ruins and churches they destroyed to build this monument.

  9. Interesting background and great photos here. I’ve driven past many times, but never really stopped to look. Traffic seems to require all ones attention in Rome.

  10. What is the name of the church ruins on the side street by Vittoriano? When we were on the tour bus, we rode just past it and turned right to be in front of Vittoriano. Thanks

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