Altar of the Fatherland in Rome. Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (Vittoriano) with observation deck

• The Altar of the Fatherland stands at the Venetian Square and offers a free observation deck, open daily from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
• There are stairs leading to it, ending with a panoramic bar
• For 5 euros, you can get here by an elevator hidden at the back, so the terrace is really available for everyone
• The interior of the building hides the Museum available behind the tickets
• From the Colosseum you can reach the main street via dei Fori Imperiali

The Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria, Vittoriano) is one of the largest monuments in the world. It commemorates the first king of united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. There's a great viewpoint at the top for free! In spring, it's the perfect place for a sunset. In summer, on Friday and Saturday, when it is open longer. From here you will see the Imperial Forums, the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. On the other hand, you will see the monument itself from many places in Rome, because it is gigantic!

Panoramic observation deck (Terrazza delle Quadrighe). A vantage point for the whole of Rome

Enter the observation deck via the main entrance from Piazza Venezia and follow the signs up the stairs to the bar. From this magnificent vantage point, you will see almost all of Rome around. At the bar, the panorama opens onto: the Imperial Forums from the Roman Forum and the Trajan's Forum with its column, the Colosseum, the Capitol, the Palatine Hill or fragments of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. On the other side, you'll see Venice Square, as well as via del Corso all the way to Piazza del Popolo, the Pantheon, and even the Vatican. The queue for the viewpoint is set up before the gate opens and practically this place enjoys popularity until it closes. This is one of the best viewpoints in Rome

Other names of the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria, Vittoriano)

The idea of a giant statue of King Victor Emmanuel II is very controversial and not necessarily liked by the Romans. Many say that it completely does not fit into the buildings of the city, and in addition, it stood on ancient ruins. Therefore, other names adhered to it than the Altar of the Fatherland, Vittoriano or the official Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II), namely the Typewriter and even Mussolini's Jaw. The latter is definitely the most fun and reflects its color and shape well.

History of the statue of Victor Emmanuel II

The Vittoriano monument was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi. The construction of the monument began in 1885 to commemorate Victor Emmanuel II. He was the first king of united Italy. The Netflix series Leopard tells about these times, but from the perspective of princely families from Sicily. This giant colossus is adorned with a huge, mounted statue of the hero.

In 1911, the building was unveiled, although it was not yet completed. 10 years later, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was created in the central part. Construction was not completed until 1935, during Mussolini's time. The building, although controversial and not liked by every Roman, is nevertheless very significant and decorative. Noteworthy here are fountains, a huge colonnade and chariot sculptures with goddesses of Freedom and Unity. It is here that public holidays are celebrated, such as Liberation Day on April 25 and Republic Day on June 2.

Central Museum of Italian Unification (Museo Centrale del Risorgimento)

In the interior of this building, a Museum was created, available with tickets. Most tourists, however, move freely around the outer part, and a particularly popular place is the observation deck next to the bar.

And so the first king of Italy today guards the Eternal City from above, against the background of the Corinthian columns. This building is unique and striking from almost every corner of Rome. And in the evening, after dusk, it is spectacularly illuminated, like many monuments of Rome.

Venice Square (Piazza Venezia)

The Colossus stands on Venice Square, which turned out to be significant for the more recent history of Rome. Its name comes from the Venetian Palace (Palazzo di Venezia), which for a long time was the seat of the Venetian cardinals and later the embassy of the Venetian Republic. It is here that you will find the third Roman Colosseum, because the Pope ordered the creation of an internal loggia as an architectural copy of the famous amphitheater.

Unfortunately, the entire square is currently undergoing a major renovation, because a third metro line C is being built under it. Interestingly, the station at Piazza Venezia is to become an open-air archaeological museum.

Practical information

• Opening hours: 9.30-19.30 (on Fridays and Saturdays until 22.30)
• Free observation deck
• For people with disabilities, there is a paid elevator at the back of the building
• Italian Unification Museum: €17 regular ticket (includes Palazzo Venezia National Museum)
• Attention!! Keep an eye on your belongings and watch out for pickpockets and thieves, especially in the tourist crowd. Theft happens here very often

Other things to do in the Eternal City

Rome offers countless monuments and attractions. It is a kind of open-air museum, where you will find amazing buildings at every step. It is worth taking a walk and admiring them. Here are some of the most interesting buildings:

• Colosseum - the largest amphitheater in history, a symbol of Rome
• Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain - the most famous fountain in the Eternal City
• Spanish Steps
• Vatican City

Accommodations in Rome

Accommodation in the city itself is not cheap, and we traveled together, so we decided to go to hu Roma Camping In Town, located several kilometers from the center, at Via Aurelia 831. It's a 15-minute drive from the Vatican. Cornelia metro station (line A) can be reached quickly by bus. We used to take line 246.

Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.

Rent a car

Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.

What's worth seeing in the area?

You don't have to travel far to find more interesting places. Within a radius of 100 kilometers, there are many attractions waiting for you that will certainly enrich your stay Your trip with additional memories.

• Pantheon in Rome, distance: 0.6  km
• Trevi Fountain in Rome, distance: 0.7  km
• Colosseum in Rome, distance: 0.9  km
• Rome, distance: 0.9  km
• Vatican City, distance: 2.3  km