The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, known as the Vittoriano, is a colossal white marble monument in central Rome built to celebrate the unification of Italy and honor Victor Emmanuel II, the country’s first king; it was conceived in 1878, designed by Giuseppe Sacconi, and inaugurated in 1911, though work continued until 1935.
Spanning 135 meters wide and 70 meters high, the monument features rows of Corinthian columns and sweeping marble stairways, crowned by a bronze equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel and two chariots driven by the goddess Victoria. Since 1921 it has held the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, marked by an eternal flame and guarded around the clock by soldiers.
Reaching the first terrace for photos and views is free and takes about 30 minutes, while visiting the paid panoramic terrace, elevator, or the adjoining Museum of the Risorgimento can extend a visit to several hours.
