Altar of the Fatherland

Situated on top of the Capitoline Hill in the centre of Rome you will find one of the largest monuments anywhere in the city. The Victor Emmanuel II Monument is a huge, neoclassical building built in honour of the first king of a unified Italy. Often described as a modern roman forum, this large marble edifice is home not only to several museums, but also a grand, panoramic viewing platform. Since its opening in 1911, the building has come to be somewhat of a shrine to the nation of Italy, with its architecture attempting to encapsulate both the glory of the ancient past, and the national pride which grew from the unification of the country in the 19^th century. After its creation it also became the home of Italy’s Crypt of the Unknown Soldier and several monuments to military conflicts of the 20^th century.

At the very centre of this monument, you will find The Altar of the Fatherland with its huge marble reliefs and statue of the goddess Roma, the ancient personification of this great city.

This modern centerpiece of the ancient capital of the Roman Empire is well worth a visit.