Situated in the centre of Rome, the Piazza Venezia is a busy hub at the intersection of several of the city’s many roads. Unlike the city’s other serene piazzas, this is not a place to sit and watch the world go by. However, there are many impressive landmarks and fascinating museums, amongst the somewhat chaotic traffic flowing around the central circus.
The square is dominated by the vast Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, or Altare della Patria. This 135-metre wide by 70-metre tall structure was completed in 1925 to commemorate the mid-19th century king credited with the unification of Italy. Visible from most points in this city, the ostentatious white marble-clad monument has been controversial from its inception, in particular as many medieval buildings were demolished to make way for it on the side of the Capitoline Hill.
A visit to the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento Italiano, situated in the base of the monument, will tell you the story of the unification of this country, as well as other key moments in national history. You can also ride up to the viewing platform on the roof in a recently added glass lift, to enjoy panoramic views across the city.
To the north of the Capitoline Hill, occupying one side of the square, sits the Palazzo di Venezia. This former papal palace was donated to the Venetian Republic by Pope Pius IV in 1564 for use as an embassy. The 1930s saw this building occupied by Benito Mussolini, and he gave his most notorious speeches, such as the declaration of the Italian Empire, from the balcony overlooking the piazza. The palazzo is now home to the Museo del Palazzo di Venezia, exhibiting paintings, sculpture and tapestries from the beginnings of Christianity to the Renaissance. You’ll be able to admire masterpieces such as Creti’s “Dance of the Nymphs” and Solimena’s “Wedding at Cana”.
The square is also home to the Palazzo Generali, built in the early 20th century – a close replica of the Palazzo Venezia which sits directly opposite it, while on the right you’ll find the elegant Palazzo Bonaparte, named after Napoleon’s mother who was granted asylum here in the 19th century.
Piazza Venezia is in the centre of Rome. The nearest Metro station is Colosseo, and many bus routes stop nearby.
