Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
15. Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II
The Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II is officially referenced as the “Monumento
Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II”. Dominating over the Piazza Venezia, this monstrous
crisp white marble monument was constructed as a tribute to Victor Emanuel II, who was
the very first king of the United Italy, crowned in 1861.
The construction of the monument began in 1885, and caused a fair amount of destruction
in the name of progress. Work crews demolished medieval churches and historically rich
Roman ruins from the northernmost slope of the Capitoline Hill in order to create the monu-
ment.
Standing about 260ft high x 390ft wide, a large number of reliefs, murals, and statues dec-
orate the sides of this tribute; each piece of art created by artisans hailing from all areas of
Italy.
