Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II

Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II

Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II
4.5
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
About
Nicknamed the "Wedding Cake" or "typewriter" for its unusual shape, the majestic Vittoriano monument in Piazza Venezia is dedicated to Italy's first king.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Piazza Venezia / Ancient City
If all roads lead to Rome, then they all end here. Piazza Venezia and the Ancient City are the very epicenter of the Eternal City. Within a 360-degree turn, Roman history unrolls in front of you, from its ancient beginnings to its 21st century transformations. Whether it’s those historical playgrounds known as the Roman and Imperial Forums, or the side-street shops, trattorie, and churches, this neighborhood packs a cultural punch and then some. Screaming scooters, battling buses, crazy cars, and lots of foot traffic converge in the area all day long. By dusk, a different vibe emerges as the neighborhood quiets down. Don't be surprised if you find yourself passing through the Piazza Venezia at least once a day, since it’s the most direct way to get from one side of town to another.
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • Shasha
    Chino Valley, Arizona395 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rome's Largest Piazza
    This huge piazza is a lovely park with much to enjoy. The ruins are an ancient monument (Trofei di Monti) built at the end of an aqueduct by emperor Alexander Severus In the park’s center is a lovely a fountain. A marvelous wall relief and modern decoration, so different from each other are a joy to see.
    Visited January 2023
    Written March 22, 2023
  • Annabe59
    Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the climb
    Worth climbing the steps for an amazing view. The cafe is lovely and not a rip off which makes a change! If you want to go to the very top there is a lift and you have to pay 15 euros each which we didn’t do. There is also a very interesting exhibition with photos of Rome during the pandemic. Also various boards with information on the way up describing the features.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 27, 2023
  • Terry M
    Hamilton, Canada4,647 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    IS IT BETTER TO LOOK AT IT OR FROM IT?
    Commemorating Italy's reunification in 1861 and Victor Emmanuel II, its first king, the building is also known as the Altar of the Fatherland of the Wedding Cake. Whatever name you use, its marble is eyecatching. You can tour the building. It is also worth climbing for its perspective over Rome, including its facing Piazza Venezia.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 2, 2023
  • Mathew M
    Melbourne, Australia559 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enormous Monument
    This is a true monument.Incredibly well designed in the classic wedding cake manner. You can climb up the stars and get a great view of the city.There is an elevator at the back which can take you to the top [15euros]. It's impossible to miss and you will come across it in your travels.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 19, 2023
  • ali1999london
    Greater London, United Kingdom53 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a sight
    We could see the Monumento a Vittorio from our hotel window and didn't know much about it. It is a definite sight to see. We went up the stairs but did not go inside. It looks quite interesting- as we were told the Italians say you either love it or hate it!
    Visited April 2023
    Written May 25, 2023
  • Dominik Kiezik
    Warsaw, Poland4,729 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is a really positive surprise
    This place is a really positive surprise. It looks majestic and gorgeous. I will add maybe thousands of opinions, something that maybe few people know. I am from Szczecin and some of the construction patterns of this building have been successfully transferred to our post-German building-structure called the Chrobry Walls and previously the Haken Walls. They were built less than a decade later than the Emmanuel Palace. Parts of this building are similar to the Italian structure.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 27, 2023
  • Aaron R
    Indianapolis, Indiana16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent views from the rooftop terrace
    This place is so huge that it's imposing. It has a regular museum and a military museum, but the real treat was taking the elevator up to the rooftop terrace to take in the views of the city. Also, this place just served as a great landmark when trying to get one's bearings while navigating the city.
    Visited May 2023
    Written June 7, 2023
  • Kamran K
    Minneapolis, Minnesota7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tale of Grandiosity!
    Grander than Grand and offering a breathtaking view of every historical structure that is around you. A bit of a climb in July weather but every bit worth it. If you’re in Rome, don’t miss it.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 4, 2023
  • andyh67186334
    Coalville, United Kingdom6,835 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning Building, with Views to Match.
    The Vittorio Emanuele dominates the Rome skyline and is impressive both on the inside and outside. You can use the lift to the top of the building for 14 Euros, 3 Euros if you are under 25, and you get fantastic views of the whole city. For an extra 2 Euros for the adult ticket there is an exhibition inside the building. This is the only place I visited that didn't have tour groups.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 14, 2023
  • Phill147
    Sydney, Australia889 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A musts and do experience
    The is best way to see ancient Rome for free- I was blown away by the size and grandeur of this monument, I climbed the back stairs to the Church and the front stairs to the tomb and beyond to the mid level where the view was amazing- these two experiences will give you the best free views of Ancient Rome- Then you are free to walk down the inside of the monument in the cool of the day. I suggest you r arrive early to avoid the crowds and take it all in. Words cannot describe the breath taking scale and historical content of this building. A Must See.
    Visited July 2023
    Written July 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles12,436 reviews
Excellent
7,859
Very good
3,523
Average
791
Poor
150
Terrible
115

Lovett17
Claygate United Kingdom55 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
So easy to drive or walk by without really appreciating this monument. Tomb of the Unknown Warrior ('Ignoto'). The lift to the top (€10) near the bar rewards with a spectacular 360 degree view of the city. The museum particularly of the Bandiere (Regimental Flags) and gallery at ground level are really worthwhile are free. Much more than a 'wedding cake'!
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rick C
Södertälje, Sweden235 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
Not only is it free to visit but also well worth the time. The size of this monument alone is breathtaking. I can imagine it as a Roman ruin in 2000 years but today it stands in all its majestic stature.
The interior houses an exhibition about the unity of Italy and the importance of the republic. It is also a shrine to the nameless soldiers.
The rooftop Café has stunning views over the city and is reasonably priced. Only hot sandwiches and panini but very tasty. They take cards here
We also took the elevator to the very top for an even more spectacular view and although it cost 10€ pp and 2€ for teenagers we thought it was worth it. There aren’t many places in Rome that you can have this view!! There are powerful binoculars here to look around with and they are free. For some inexplicable reason the elevator trip can only be paid for by cash. ?!?
All in all we spent the better part of 3-4 hours here (including lunch) and enjoyed it.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mal
Blackburn, UK135 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
The statue of Victor Emmanuelle II is magnificent, and somewhat deceiving in its size- it's absolutely massive! The backdrop in which it's set adds to the statue's presence. Climb the steps, and get different perspectives of the brilliant statue. If you walk all the steps, and enter the building, you can buy access to the lift which takes you up to a panoramic view of Rome.I think it was €12 for a ticket for adults and €2 for 18-25 year olds from the EU. You will get a decent view of some of Rome's famous landmarks, but the best view is that of the Roman Forum which is very nearby
Written April 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Malgorzata
12,113 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
Monument of Victor Emmanuel II , also known as Fatherland Altar is a neoclassical monument, located in Rome, on the northern slope of the Capitoline Hill, at Venetian Square. The monument designed by Giuseppe Sacconi began to be built in 1885 as a form of commemoration of King Victor Emmanuel II, who played an important role in the process of unification of Italy. The monument is a popular tourist destination in Rome, which is significantly contributed by the observation deck at its top.A lift to the top is payable. The monument is 81 m high and 135 m wide. In the center of the whole complex is the equestrian statue of King Victor Emmanuel II . The statue weighs 50 t and is 12 m in height and length.It is one of the most visited places in Italy. Huge. Monumental. Must see.
Written April 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

questtraveler01
Tel Aviv, Israel402 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
Just walking up all the stairs and overlooking the city views is worth the trip! The enormous size of this structure is mind boggling. We went during the holidays so certain areas were closed off but we didn't mind. Just happy to explore and take pictures. There's a cafe on an upper level to take a break, have drinks, take pics...no regrets.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Greg
Cambridge, UK5,209 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
We walked up each flight of steps to the very top of this monumental centrepiece in Italy’s capital, paid 2 EUR per person (18 – 25 years old) to get an elevator to the very top observatory section and look out over Rome from this enormous and grand structure.

Worthwhile doing at 2 EUR (not sure about the pricey 10 EUR per head for those above twenty-five years!).

A must visit.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Polo M
Paris, France486 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
Situated in the center of the city, the self-guided walk takes you through the eternal flame, the steps, the cafe, the backside, and finally a small museum inside the building. The best part, it's FREE!
The walk can take 15-30 minutes depending your speed. It's one direction, so you can't go back. The cafe wasn't opened when I was there, but the lift to go up (€10, cash only), but I didn't take it.
Stop by if you're in the area, it's impressive to look and get a view of the city.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AmyLJ
South Wales, UK292 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
In our opinion this is by far the most stunningly beautiful,
impressive building in Rome. It is free to enter and see the galleries inside and views from the numerous terraces.

It does cost an extra €12 to use the panoramic glass lift to get to the rooftop terrace but this is worth every penny for the amazing 360° degree view of the whole city. An absolute must-see! Do book the lift tickets online in advance as there was quite a long queue when we were there.
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travellingmatt572
21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
Just near the ancient forum this is a really spectacular building. You can walk up the steps outside and enjoy the view from the mid level for free. You can buy a ticket to visit the observation deck right on top of the monument which is accessed by a glass elevator - walk up the front steps and follow the route to the back of the building where there is a ticket office just past the lift. There is also a small museum inside (included in the ticket).
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rooombiter
Isle of Wight, UK650 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
I last visited here 50 years ago so enjoyed another look at this huge monolithic edifice.
It’s a warm climb in the summer but well worth it as the views are amazing.
We went in the morning in September and it wasn’t crazy busy.

The roundabout below the monument was being excavated so it was messy (but it is Rome after all) and there was scaffolding at the front of the monument so our view looking up from the bottom was bit obscured…..but it’s an incredible spectacle nonetheless.

I remember seeing old film footage of Mussolini holding a rally here, the scale of it is incredible.
You can pay to go inside the museum, I was a bit confused by what was free and what was not, we didn’t pay to go inside or in the elevator in the end….the free views we were getting of the city after climbing the stairs were awesome anyway.
We could have spent a couple of hours here, I’m looking forward to returning.
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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