Bella Italia!
Italy is home to some gorgeous architectural achievements, and on an EA student tour you have the chance to see some of them!
Situated on the Piazza Venezia in Rome, the monument to Vitorrio Emanuelle II dominates the surrounding buildings with its Neo-Classical style. It was constructed to honor Victor Emmanuel II who was the first king of a unified Italy. The monument was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi towards the end of the 19th century. It’s also referred to as the Altare Della Patria, Altar of the Fatherland, and one of the Italian capital’s most notable monuments. The ground breaking ceremony was in 1911 and it was completed by 1925.
The colossal white marble structure features a giant statue of Victor Emmanuel II seated on a horse. One can also see two statues of the goddess Victoria (goddess of victory) in control of quadrigas. A splendid set of stairs and colonnade in the Corinthian style add to the monument making it truly unique. It is also here where students and educators will find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame from WWI and a splendid museum on Italian reunification. If you’re not too tired might I suggest visiting the top of the structure?! Here you have stunning panoramic views of Rome that are to die for!
The monument however, is somewhat controversial and its grandeur has locals comparing it to a wedding cake or Victorian typewriter. The reasons for controversy started since its construction. These include destroying a large portion of the Capitoline Hill, the façade is “too white,” it’s “too large,” and too “pompous” among others. In spite of this, the Victor Emmanuel II monument will always be a Roman landmark that celebrates Italian unity and greeting visitors for years to come.
Have you ever visited Rome on an educational tour and seen this magnificent monument to Victor Emmanuel II yourself? If so, what’d you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Until next time,
Kate.