Altare della Patria, National monument in Piazza Venezia, Rome, Italy
The Altare della Patria is a national monument in Piazza Venezia at the center of Rome. The structure rises in white marble across multiple terraces with massive columns, wide staircases, and sculptures that reach an overall height of 81 meters.
The monument opened in 1911 to honor Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. Construction took about forty years and transformed the cityscape of the historical center.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame serves as the central site for military ceremonies and national celebrations. Honor guards stand motionless at the tomb every day, while locals and visitors pause in respectful silence to remember the fallen and lay wreaths.
Visitors can reach the viewing terrace by elevator, while the monument is open daily and includes facilities for wheelchair users. The best time to visit is early morning or just before sunset when the marble facade glows most intensely.
The construction required 17,000 cubic meters of white marble from Botticino quarries and features two bronze quadrigae at its summit. Inside are lesser known museum rooms documenting the history of Italian unification that many visitors overlook while focusing on the exterior.
Location: Pigna
Inception: 3 Millenium
Architects: Giuseppe Sacconi
Official opening: June 4, 1911
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture, eclectic architecture
Elevators: 1
Height: 81 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Made from material: travertine, marble
Part of: National symbols of Italy, Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia
Address: Piazza Venezia 6, 00187 Roma
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-19:30
Phone: +39066783588
Email: pm-laz.vittoriano@beniculturali.it
Website: https://vive.cultura.gov.it/en
GPS coordinates: 41.89454,12.48310
Latest update: December 3, 2025 09:16
Rome preserves more than 2,000 years of architectural history within its city limits, maintaining ancient temples and amphitheaters beside Renaissance churches and Baroque piazzas. The Roman Forum displays ruins from the first century BC through the fourth century AD, including government buildings and temples that formed the administrative heart of the Roman Empire. The Pantheon demonstrates Roman engineering with its concrete dome, while the Colosseum remains the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. The city evolved through subsequent centuries as papal patronage transformed medieval Rome into a showcase of Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture. The Vatican holds significant religious and artistic collections, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and Saint Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church building. Throughout the historic center, public squares like Piazza Navona preserve the footprint of ancient Roman structures while displaying Baroque fountains by Bernini and Borromini. The Trevi Fountain draws thousands of visitors daily to its 18th century facade, and the Spanish Steps connect different elevation levels of the city. Rome's neighborhoods maintain traditional Italian life around these monuments, with restaurants, shops and residences occupying buildings from various historical periods.
Rome combines ancient history with modern photography. The city presents monuments, fountains, squares and viewpoints to photographers. The Colosseum, Castel Sant'Angelo and Roman Forum display Roman architecture. The Vatican Museums and Piazza Navona showcase art. The Villa Borghese Gardens and Trastevere district complement the urban setting.
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