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.