The Wedding Cake Building In Rome

The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, also known as The Wedding Cake, is a building in Rome with a controversial reputation. Universally recognised as an eyesore, the building has been derided for its gaudy appearance and location, which destroyed part of Capitoline Hill, one of the 7 original hills of Rome. However, the building is also considered an impressive and symbolic representation of Italy's struggles for unity and freedom.

The Wedding Cake's design and construction

The Wedding Cake, officially known as the Victor Emmanuel II Monument or the Altare della Patria, was designed by the architect Giovanni Sacconi, who was chosen through a public competition. The design process began in 1885, and the monument was inaugurated in 1911, after Sacconi's death.

The monument was built to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861 and to honour Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. It is located in the Piazza Venezia, a large and busy square in the heart of Rome. The building is constructed from white marble and features an enormous bronze statue of Victor Emmanuel II on horseback, fountains, Corinthian columns, and a sculpture of the Goddess of Rome before a gold mosaic backdrop.

The Wedding Cake has three levels and is 135m wide and 70m high. Its size and stacked appearance have led to its nickname, "The Wedding Cake". The monument also features a tomb for unknown soldiers who perished in wars, adorned with an eternal flame and guarded by two soldiers.

The construction of the monument was not without controversy. Several historical buildings were removed to make way for it, and its modern design stands in contrast to the ancient monuments in the area. Additionally, it is associated with fascism due to Mussolini's use of the site for military parades and speeches during World War II. After the fall of the fascist regime, the monument was closed to the public for 40 years until it reopened in 2000 after renovations.

The building's nicknames

The Victor Emmanuel II Monument, or Il Vittoriano, has several nicknames, including "The Wedding Cake", "The Giant Typewriter", "The Dentures", and "The Altar of the Fatherland". The building's nicknames are often tongue-in-cheek, reflecting the controversy surrounding its construction and design.

The "Wedding Cake" nickname is derived from the building's stacked appearance, while "The Typewriter" may refer to its shape. "The Dentures" is another nickname, perhaps playing on the idea of a set of false teeth, again alluding to the building's layered structure.

The monument's location on Capitoline Hill, one of the original seven hills of Rome, is also a point of contention, as its construction destroyed parts of the historic site.

The history of the site

The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, was built in his honour. Construction began in 1885, and it was completed in 1911, after the death of its designer, Giovanni Sacconi, who won the role through a public competition. The monument was finally inaugurated in 1935.

The site is located in the Piazza Venezia, a large and busy square at the heart of Rome. It is positioned between the Piazza and Capitoline Hill, one of the seven original hills of Rome, which was home to the earliest Romans' religious and ruling power. Several historical buildings were removed to allow the monument to be built, and its modern design stands in contrast to the monuments of ancient Rome in the area.

The monument has been associated with fascism, as Mussolini often used the site for military parades and speeches during World War II. After the fall of the fascist regime, the monument fell into a period of negligence and was closed to the public after World War II due to a terrorist attack. It remained closed for 40 years, finally reopening in 2000 after renovations.

The building's significance

The Victor Emmanuel II Monument, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, the Altare della Patria, Il Vittoriano, and "The Wedding Cake", is a monument honouring Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. It was built to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861 and to honour the king. The monument was completed in 1935 and sits in the core of Rome between the Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill.

The monument has a contentious relationship with the people of Rome. Many consider it pompous, too large, and crowded with too many statues. Its stacked appearance has led to its nickname, "The Wedding Cake", along with other nicknames like "The Dentures" and "The Typewriter". The Victor Emmanuel II Monument's bright white marble construction stands in sharp contrast to the understated elegance of the medieval Roman architecture surrounding it. Several prominent antiquities and churches were removed to allow room for the monument, which many natives think is too flashy and too large for the subdued colour tones of the setting.

Despite the controversy, the monument holds symbolic value, representing the values of unity and freedom that the Italian unification promoted. It is a beloved landmark and an essential cultural destination for those visiting Rome. The monument features an enormous bronze horseback statue of Victor Emmanuel II, fountains, Corinthian columns, and a captivating sculpture of the Goddess of Rome before a gold mosaic backdrop. Right below this figure is the memorial of the Unknown Soldier, which is always adorned with an eternal flame and large wreaths.

Visiting the Vittoriano

The Vittoriano, or the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome. The monument, located in the Piazza Venezia, is a spectacular example of monumental architecture and is easily spotted due to its size and dazzling white marble construction. It was built to honour Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, and is considered one of the national symbols of Italy.

The Vittoriano has a rich history and is a significant part of Rome's landscape. It was designed by architect Giuseppe Sacconi in an eclectic style, drawing inspiration from Hellenistic sanctuaries and neoclassical architecture. The construction began in 1885 and was completed in 1935. The site chosen for the monument is of symbolic importance as it is located in the centre of Ancient Rome, between Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill, and is connected to the modern city centre through several important roads.

The Vittoriano is a fusion of Art-Nouveau, Eclecticism, and Neoclassicism, with a design that was conceived as a modern forum with three levels connected by stairways and dominated by a portico. The complex features Corinthian columns, fountains, and an equestrian sculpture of Victor Emmanuel II, along with two statues of the Goddess Victoria riding quadrigas. The monument also includes the Altar of the Fatherland, which was initially an altar of the Goddess Roma and later became a shrine of the Italian Unknown Soldier. The Vittoriano thus represents the values of unity, freedom, and sacrifice for the fatherland.

When visiting the Vittoriano, there are several key features to look out for. The bronze statue of King Vittorio Emmanuel II on horseback in front of the monument is a striking sight. Inside the building, you will find several reliefs of important cities in Italian history. The memorial of the Unknown Soldier, established in 1921, can be found under the statue of the Goddess Roma and is adorned with an eternal flame. The inside of the monument is ornately decorated, and there is also a museum to explore.

One of the highlights of visiting the Vittoriano is the panoramic view from the terrace. Visitors can take the glass-walled elevator, known as "Rome from the Sky," to enjoy breathtaking views of the ancient capital, including famous landmarks such as the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica. The terrace can also be accessed by climbing 196 steps from the portico. The Vittoriano offers a unique perspective of Rome's rich history and is a testament to the country's unity and freedom.

When planning your visit, it is recommended to go early in the morning to make the most of the lift service to the terrace and avoid long queues during the weekends. The monument has multiple entrances, including the main entrance at Piazza Venezia, and side entrances at Via di San Pietro in Carcere and Via del Teatro di Marcello. If travelling by car, it is advisable to check nearby car parks in advance and reserve a parking space. A visit to the Vittoriano, including the panoramic terrace, typically lasts around half a day.

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