Not everybody admires the monument for Vittorio Emanuele (or the Vittoriano), hence its nicknames “typewriter”, because of its shape, and “wedding cake”, because of its kitschy character and white colour. Unlike most of the other Roman monuments, it is not made of Travertine, but rather of Brescian marble. Because of this it does not harmonize with its surroundings, which is enhanced by its proportions: the Vittoriano towers over the surrounding buildings and can be seen from virtually anywhere in Rome.

The monument for Vittorio Emanuele

The Vittoriano was built by Giuseppe Sacconi in order to commemmorate the unification of Italy (1870). It was named after the new country’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II, depicted as a warrior on horseback. The two fountains symbolize the Adriatic en de Tyrrhenic seas bordering Italy. Two bronze statues of winged chariots are on top of the monument. Construction lasted from 1885 to 1911.

Monument for the Unknown Soldier

After World war I the Altare della Patria (the “Altar of the Fatherland”), the Italian version of the Monument for the Unknown Soldier, was added to the building. Sentries are posted there day and night and the flames on either side are to be kept burning forever.

Museum

The Museo Centrale del Risorgimento, with a collection of 3000 drawings of Italian army uniforms from 1866 till now, is to be found inside the monument.

From Chaplin Bed and Breakfast to the Vittoriano

From B&B Chaplin Hostel Rome you walk to Rome Termini, where you take bus 64 of 40E. You get out when you see an enormous white building that reminds you a bit of a typewriter or a wedding cake.