I met a tourist in Rome who told me the white building in Piazza Venezia was his favourite building in Rome. I would choose the Pantheon, but to each his own. Many describe the Vittorio Emanuele Monument as kitch, and maybe it is, but it is also very impressive. I can’t help but love it in all its proud glory, with its flags flying, gleaming in the sun. What do you think?
Vittorio Emanuele II building
- flying the Italian flag
Perhaps people are upset because the building is plonked in the middle of ancient ruins. It is beside the Roman Forum and not far from the Coluseum, but Rome is a living city which means it must be a mix of old and new.
Vittorio's neighbours
between the pines
It is known locally as the “Typewriter”. Soldiers in WW II affectionately called it the “Wedding Cake”. The building was started in 1885 to commemorate Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s first king, and the unification of Italy. Two staircases beside the monument lead to the top of Capitoline Hill and there is a lift in the building which takes you to the top to admire a 360 degree view of Rome. I haven’t done that yet.
I give my vote to the Pantheon too! I love round buildings and curves. I have never forgotten the one time I visited it. Are you going to do a Pantheon post, she said eagerly…. please, please!!
By: Joanna @ Zeb Bakes on December 16, 2010
at 8:33 am
The Pantheon was under scaffolding when I was in Rome recently. Hopefully it will be uncovered next time and I can get some good photos. I love it.
By: bagnidilucca on December 16, 2010
at 9:07 am
You’ve solved a mystery for us, Deb. We walked past this building and wondered what it was. Yes, it’s an impressive place resplendent in its Italian tradition, but not my favourite. The Pantheon took my breath away simply for its unique design and ancient history.
By: Sandra H on December 16, 2010
at 8:34 am
The only memory I have of the building was squashing my nose against some glass and think…ohh, that looks big! I was 16 and on a bus.
Like you said, I think it looks very proud sitting there.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on December 16, 2010
at 9:10 am
Yes the Pantheon is pretty amazing. I love Rome! I spent one day there a couple of months ago and would love, love, love to spend more time there.
By: Susan: My Food Obsession on December 16, 2010
at 11:22 am
I’m not sure what my favourite building in Rome would be, but the Pantheon would definitely be in the running.
By: Journey Photographic on December 16, 2010
at 12:26 pm
I love this building. If people don’t like it, I think they should go inside and actually see the artifacts and read the heroic tales of sacrifice. The building is an honor to those who fought for their country.
Great photos Deb. This was also one of my favorite places to photograph. It offers a lot of good angles with great lines of sight. I like your framing of the statue in the last photograph.
By: Fidel Hart on December 16, 2010
at 1:56 pm
I like it for all those reasons. This building really divides people. Thanks for yur comments.
By: bagnidilucca on December 16, 2010
at 8:16 pm
Lovely photos, Deb, thank you!
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on December 16, 2010
at 7:21 pm
Hi Deb,
I was in Rome in Sept. and also took many photos of Vittorio Emanuelle 11 building.
Apparently the woman on the chariott at each end of the building is Nike the Godess of Victory. This is where the NIKE sports wear sign comes from.
Cheers Judy
By: Judy on December 18, 2010
at 8:35 am
Facing VE to the right at street level (under neath VE really) is a great museum that is free about immigration. They also have a resource center (in Italian) for anyone researching ancestors.
By: Martha on December 18, 2010
at 10:46 am
Thank you for the info. I will check it out when I go back.
By: bagnidilucca on December 18, 2010
at 11:56 am