The National Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II in Rome, Italy is known by several names, from Vittoriano for short, to Altare della Patria to Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II.
This monument, with a museum inside its massive structure, was built in honor of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a unified Italy. Prior to modern-day Italy’s existence, a number of transformations took place in the region, from empires (Roman and others) to city-states to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Vittorio Emanuele II was victorious in creating peace with Austria and through his successful leadership as King of Sardinia-Piedmont, he became a symbol of the Risorgimento -- a movement in the mid-1800s to create a unified Italy. In 1861, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed with Vittorio Emanuele II as king.
The monument itself sits in the middle of a roundabout circle for vehicles. Much like the other historical sites in Rome, this piece of history stands strong against the fast-paced and evolving life we know today. As there are even older marvels in the city, the monument may not be the first stop on a tourist’s list. I actually didn’t even know what it was when I saw it. The design is quite different from everything else in the eternal city with its white marble grandeur, and locals sometimes consider it an eyesore, comparing it to a Victorian typewriter or a wedding cake.
[Photo: yours truly]