VITTORIANO or VICTOR EMMANUEL II MONUMENT

"THE HISTORY AND THE MUSEUM"

Vittoriano Monument has been strongly disputed by many architects during the XX century for its magnificent and its dimensions that make impossible its insertion in the landscape formed by Campidoglio and and Aracoeli Stair. Nowadays this monument is one of the most popular in Rome for tourists and we think this is for the same reason why once was disputed.

King of Sardinia Victor Emmanuel II join his army with Garibaldi, famous commander who also fought in South America (that's why he is also known as "two worlds' hero"), and managed to win against army of Vatican. Thanks to this union Italian regions was united in 1861 but Lazio and Veneto that was annexed later in 1866 and in 1870 with a battle against Vatican army ended with the famous act called "Breccia di Porta Pia" in September 20th. After few months Rome became capital of Italian State and Pope Pio IX declared himself prisoner and excommunicated King Victor Emmanuel II. Only in 1929 Mussolini created the Vatican State "releasing" the Pope from his imprisonment.
Vittoriano was inaugurated in 1911 after 25 years of construction. The king is represented by an equestrian bronze estatue long 12 meters. The monument keeps also the tomb of the "unknown soldier" chose among all the unburied soldiers of the first world war in Gorizia and brought to Rome by train the 21st of Novemeber 1921. This is the reason why many italians know the Vittoriano simply as "Il Milite Ignoto".

Opening hours: Daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7p.m. Dec 24th and 31st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.The box-office closes 1 hour before.Closed on Monday and Jan 1st, May 1st, Dec 25th.
Tickets: FULL 5.00 €. REDUCED 4,20 € (European Union citizens between 18 and 25 years old; - European Union teachers of State schools only by showing valid membership card); FREE € 2 (European Union citizens under 18 and over 65 years old. - ICOM members (only by showing valid membership card) - European Union school groups, upon reservation. - European Union students and teachers in Architecture, History of Arts only by showing valid membership card. - Journalists only by showing valid membership card)
Official Web site: Musei Capitolini di Roma

View from the top terrace

"THE MUSEUM OF RISORGIMENTO"

Risorgimento is called that time began with the French Revolution that brought to Italy ideals of freedom and equality and the unification of Italy in 1871. During this period of time Italy completely changed its geographical and political aspect but it also changed the mentality of the people tired to submit to Pope's power and influence of France. Vittoriano hosts the Museum of Risorgimento that goes back over the entire history of unification of Italy through images, historical maps, inscriptions on the walls of the monument's stair that becomes a part of the museum itself. Paintings representing the heroes of Risorgimento as Garibaldi, Mazzini and first prime minister of Italy Cavour are kept in the museum.
This place has become one of the favourite place by tourist as Vittoriano offers an unforgettable panoramic view.