Piazza Venezia, Central square in Rome, Italy
Piazza Venezia is a large square in the heart of Rome where four main roads converge, including Via del Corso and Via dei Fori Imperiali. The space is dominated by the white Vittoriano monument, while the medieval Palazzo Venezia with its brick tower stands on the western side.
The square took its name from Palazzo Venezia, which Cardinal Pietro Barbo had built in 1455 before he resided there as Pope Paul II. The Vittoriano monument was constructed between 1885 and 1911 to honor King Victor Emmanuel II and the unification of Italy.
The Altar of the Fatherland houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which has been under constant guard by two soldiers since 1921. The white marble monument serves Italians today as a venue for official ceremonies and commemorations, while visitors can observe the eternal flame of national unity.
The square functions as a transportation hub with multiple bus lines offering direct access to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. The area can become very busy during peak hours, so visiting early morning or late afternoon provides calmer conditions.
Archaeological excavations in 2009 revealed the remains of Emperor Hadrian's Athenaeum beneath the current surface. This ancient educational institution from the 2nd century served as a venue for lectures and discussions among Roman scholars.
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