Piazza Venezia

Piazza Venezia

Introduction

Piazza Venezia is a circular square located in the center of Rome.

The Victor Emmanuel II Monument: Facing north and overlooking the square from the south, it is the most eye-catching building on Piazza Venezia. Even in a city like Rome, filled with grand architecture, it is considered a rather massive project. Because of its shape and color, the monument is nicknamed the “wedding cake” or the “typewriter.” This white marble neoclassical building was constructed to celebrate the unification of Italy in 1870 and took 25 years to complete. The front of the monument features a curved façade formed by 16 Corinthian columns. Atop the building stand two massive bronze statues, with the one on the right representing “Thought” and the one on the left representing “Action.” On the second level of steps is a flying lion statue created by Michelangelo. Below the steps are two fountains, with the one on the right symbolizing the Tyrrhenian Sea and the one on the left symbolizing the Adriatic Sea. The central equestrian statue on the steps depicts Victor Emmanuel II, who completed the unification of Italy.

Palazzo Venezia: Located at the northwest corner of the square, it is a Gothic-style building from the Renaissance period. During the flourishing era of the Venetian Republic, this was the site of the Venetian Embassy, hence the name. Mussolini once delivered his famous “balcony speech” to the crowds gathered in the square from the balcony on the second floor. It is now a museum housing Italian Renaissance artworks. Transport: Take bus No. 64, 65, or 117 and get off at Piazza Venezia. Admission/Ticket Hours

Victor Emmanuel II Monument Admission: Free Opening Hours: 9:00–18:30, closed on Mondays.

Phone: (06) 6780664

Palazzo Venezia Museum Admission: €4 Opening Hours: 9:00–14:00 (Sundays 9:00–13:00), closed on Mondays. Phone: (06) 6798865

Italy, Rome