Piazza Venezia is a great place for tourists in Rome. Piazza Venezia - the tourist center of Rome

At any time of the year, even if the weather is not very pleasant for visitors to the city, the central part of Rome is filled with a huge number of people. Even those who have visited Rome more than once cannot deny themselves the pleasure of visiting the most famous of the many squares in the city - Piazza Venezia. Piazza Venezia is the name of this magnificent place, where most Roman tour guides start their walking routes.

However, tourists coming to Rome often visit Piazza Venice on their own to enjoy its splendor without haste, enjoying the amazing beauty of the Venetian Palace, and admiring the main attraction of the square - the grandiose monument rising in its center.

This majestic monument was erected in honor of Vittoria Emanuele, the first king of the United Italy. Marble benches are installed along the perimeter of the square, inviting tired travelers to sit down, and parked carts await those who want to take a walk around Rome on horseback.

Where did the name of the square come from?

Piazza Venice owes its name to the magnificent palace erected in 1455 by order of Pietro Barbo, a Venetian cardinal. He subsequently became known as Pope Paul II. The creator of the palace project was the famous architect Leon Battista Alberti in those years, and Bernardo Rossellino supervised its construction.

In 15th-century Italy, building materials cost a significant amount of money, and the country's financial situation was not in very good shape. Therefore, most of the palace was built from ancient Roman buildings. It even became material for the construction of the Venice Palace.

Over the years since the completion of construction, the Venice Palace has been used for various purposes and has changed a significant number of owners. Now the Palace building houses two museums. The main one is the National Museum, which specializes in the preservation of decorative arts. However, many more tourists visit the Cere Museum, which houses wax figures of famous personalities, as well as a recreation of the interior of an office belonging to Mussolini.

What else attracts tourists to Piazza Venice?

Each tourist pays attention to the Basilica of San Marco, also part of the palace complex. Since it was rebuilt many times, its original appearance was not preserved. Now its main decoration is an ensemble consisting of three arches and a loggia, as well as a magnificent mosaic depicting Jesus Christ and the apostles.

As already mentioned, an integral part of the square is the Vittoriano monument. Its construction, completed in 1911, took about 25 years. The entire ensemble was completed in 1935, when the composition was supplemented by a monument to the unknown soldier, called the “Altar of the Fatherland.”

Several floors of this building are occupied by a museum dedicated to the history of Italy, and in its upper part there is an observation deck with a magnificent view of the streets of Rome. After walking around Piazza Venezia, you can visit several more interesting museums.

How to get there?

Finding Piazza Venezia in Rome is easy. It is located near Terimini Station, and for those who are not too fond of walking, you can get there by bus. From the station to Piazza Venezia there are buses with numbers 175, 50, 64. If you use the metro, the final destination of the trip will be Colosseo or Cavour station. From them to Piazza Venezia is a 10-minute leisurely walk.

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Piazza Venezia is one of the most famous squares in Rome, located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, at the intersection of the capital's most important highways. It was from here that we began our series of walks around Rome on the first day, and we returned here many times while walking around Rome.

The name of the square comes from the palace of the same name - Palazzo Venezia, which once housed the representative office of the Venetian Republic in Rome, and now houses a museum and library of archeology. A majestic monument in honor of the first king of united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, Vittoriano, overlooks Piazza Venezia, the main element of which is a 12-meter statue of King Victor Emmanuel II on a horse. Below the statue is the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria) with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

A majestic monument in honor of the first king of united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, Vittoriano, overlooks Piazza Venezia, the main element of which is a 12-meter statue of King Victor Emmanuel II on a horse. Below the statue is the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria) with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Piazza Venezia from Corso. On the right side is the Palazzo Venezia, and the most ancient landmark of the square is the Church of San Marco, which dates back to the 4th century.

View of the Vittoriano through the Imperial Forum of Trajan. Roman chariots installed on the Altar of the Fatherland

View of Vittoriano when approaching from the Colosseum along Via dei Fori Imperiali

The main architectural element of Vittoriano is the characteristic neoclassical gallery of Corinthian columns. This gallery is equipped with two porticoes with triangular pediments. At the top, above each of the porticos, there are two bronze sculptural compositions depicting the goddess Nike on a chariot.

In the center of the square there is a monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king to lead a united Italy.

In front of the gallery there are two fountains, symbolizing the two seas washing Italy. On the left is the fountain of the Adriatic Sea, decorated with a lion - the symbol of St. Mark the Evangelist; on the right is the fountain of the Tyrrhenian Sea with a statue of a siren, symbolizing the city of Naples.

The church building also overlooks Piazza Venezia Santa Maria di Loreto. The church was built at the beginning of the 16th century.

Altar of the Fatherland. The bas-reliefs on each side of the statue of Rome in the center symbolically depict “Labor” (left) and “Love for the Motherland” (right).

An honor guard is constantly on duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Eternal flame at the Altar of the Fatherland

Monument to the first king of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II

The central statue of the composition is a statue of Rome, a deity who personified the Roman state in antiquity.

We climb the internal stairs to the observation deck

From the observation deck - Terrazza delle Quadrighe, an excellent panorama of the surrounding areas of Rome opens up.

View of Trajan's Forum

View of the Colosseum and Roman Forum

April, 2016

"You can take the whole world, but leave Italy to me"

Giuseppe Verdi

You can find out more about walks in Italy in the book: " ITALIAN HOLIDAYS"


ITALIAN HOLIDAYS

This book can serve as a short guide to Italy in 7 days:

Three days in Rome(Piazza Venice. Piazza Navona. Trevi Fountain. Piazza di Spagna. Capitoline Hill. Roman Forum. Colosseum and Triumphal Arches. Mouth of Truth. Bridges and Tiber Embankment. Pantheon and Rotunda Square. Roman Castles (Castelli Romani). Appian Way. Grottaferrata, Crypt Ferrata. Castel Gandolfo. Streets of Rome.

Two days in Florence: Church of Santa Maria Novella. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Baptistery of San Giovanni. Republic Square. Piazza della Signoria. Ponte Vecchio. Uffizi Gallery. Basilica of San Lorenzo. Santa Croce (“Holy Cross”) Piazzale Michelangelo. Palazzo Pitti.

One day in Venice: Murano. St. Mark's Square and Cathedral. City Tour.

In the book I also included non-tourist routes, which are very interesting and little known to a wide range of travelers. I hope that the book will also arouse interest among those who have already visited these places, and they will be pleased to once again mentally walk through familiar places, remember and compare this virtual trip with their own impressions of this amazing and beautiful Italy.

Book price 100 rubles

Italian Venice- an ancient and majestic European city, a visit to which will be remembered for a lifetime, because it is a unique city on the water, which has become famous throughout the world for its famous, best Venetian palazzos, great works of art. Venice includes more than a hundred large and small islands, almost two hundred canals - they have an irresistible attraction for the several million tourists who come here every year. Today we will talk about the most beautiful palaces in Venice.

Venice, shrouded in a light haze rising from the water, the bright turquoise waters of local canals, unique palaces and bridges - enigmatic and mysterious, what could be more attractive to travelers? But this city is also loved by romantics and newlyweds, as well as art connoisseurs who dream of getting acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of this Italian city. The most attractive Venetian palaces in the eyes of tourists are located with graceful facades along the Grand Canal, they demonstrate to all visitors the power of Venice and its living history, embodied in these architectural wonders in Gothic, Baroque, and Classical styles. These famous Venetian palaces are beautiful not only on the outside, they are lush and luxurious inside: many have preserved ancient decoration, furniture and household items from the Middle Ages. Some Venetian palazzos were given over to government institutions of the city, and museums were located somewhere. So, what are the most beautiful palaces?

1. "Doge's Palace" or "Palazzo Ducale"- a beautiful ancient palace, built in the Gothic style, as the main residence for the Doges of Venice. Construction of the palazzo began in 1309 and was completed in 1424. The “Doge's Palace” was used in the Middle Ages as the main political, judicial and maritime control center of Venice. Today, within the walls of this palazzo there is a wonderful museum. The building itself is a bright and memorable element of the Venetian architectural ensemble. The palace is open to tourists from April to October: from half past eight in the morning to half past eight in the evening, and from November to March: until half past five in the evening. Getting to know the palace will cost you twenty euros.

2. “Palace Ca’ d’Oro” or “Palazzo Ca’ D’Oro”- This elegant building was built in the fifteenth century for the Bona family. Palazzo Ca' d'Oro was built in the beautiful Venetian Gothic style. The second common name for this palace is “Golden House”, the fact is that after construction the building was covered with gold leaf. This remarkable structure is located on the Grand Canal, in the Venetian district of Cannaregio. It houses the art gallery of Giorgio Franchetti. Gallery opening hours: from eight fifteen in the morning to seven fifteen in the evening, from Tuesday to Sunday, and from eight fifteen in the morning until two in the afternoon, on Monday. The box office closes half an hour before the gallery closes. Official holidays: January 1st, May 1st, December 25th. Ticket price is six euros.

3. “Palazzo Barbarigo” or “Palazzo Barbarigo”- this austere building was erected in the fifteenth century for the ancient and noble Italian family of Barbarigo - a family that gave the city great commanders, smartest politicians and wise religious leaders, and belonged to it until its sale in the nineteenth century. The architectural appearance of the building belongs to the Venetian-Byzantine style, it is distinguished by the severity of its forms, the absence of excessive pretentiousness and pomp. It was only with the change of owners that occurred in the nineteenth century that the façade of the building was decorated with beautiful mosaics made of the famous Murano glass. Today, this palazzo is open to tourists, there are showrooms, as well as trading areas where you can see interesting works of art from Murano glassblowers and buy those you like.

4. “Palace Fondaco dei Tedeschi” or “Palazzo Fondaco dei Tedeschi”- the name of the palace is translated as “German Compound”. The building actually arose as a result of close commercial relations between the Venetians and the Germans. It was built in 1228, but the original version of the building burned down in a fire in 1505. Today we see a rebuilt building from the sixteenth century, designed by the architect Hieronymo Tedesco, whose nickname was “The German”, and who supervised the work of Antonio Abbondi Scarpagnino. This beautiful building was built in the Renaissance style: it has a wide courtyard, a beautiful portico located at canal level, framed by an interesting crenellated cornice. Previously, the walls of the palazzo, restored after the fire, were covered with frescoes by Giorgione and Titian; today the surviving remains of this painting are in the Franchetti Gallery, in the Accademia Palace and the “Palace of Rains”. In the nineteenth century, the palace was given over to house customs, and throughout the twentieth century there was a post office here. In our twenty-first century, the building was bought by the fashion brand Benetton; they wanted to place a shopping center there, but their idea failed due to protests from defenders of the cultural heritage of Venice.

5. “Palazzo Fondaco dei Turchi” or “Palazzo Fondaco dei Turchi”- this is a wonderful monument of Veneto-Byzantine architecture and one of the most ancient buildings in the city of Venice, built in the manner of the first palaces of Constantinople. The name can be translated as “Turkish Compound”, the fact is that for a long time it was rented out to Turkish merchants for warehouses and housing. But the palace was built between the tenth and thirteenth centuries for the local wealthy patrician family of Pisaro. And only in the sixteenth century it was transferred to the use of the merchant community of Turkey. When, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, trade with the Ottomans ceased to be vibrant, the number of oriental merchants in the city declined and rental income fell sharply, and the ancient palace began to collapse. He returned again to the Pisaro family, then passed to the Manin family, and they sold it again, and so it changed owners until 1860, until it was bought by the commune, which carried out its restoration and reconstruction. The palace again acquired Veneto-Byzantine features. Today, in the Palazzo Fondaco Dei Turchi there is a “Museum of Natural History”, where paleontological collections are located, and their most interesting exhibits are: the skeleton of a prehistoric crocodile, numerous dinosaur skeletons, aquariums with very rare inhabitants of the underwater world.

6. “Palazzo Dolfin-Manin” or “Palazzo Dolfin Manin”- this airy building was erected in the mid-sixteenth century for the Venetian diplomat and merchant Dolphin. The project was created by architect Jakop Sansovino. The basis for the new building was two medieval houses. The facade of the three-story snow-white palace was decorated with magnificent arched colonnades. This Venetian palazzo received its name in the period from 1789 to 1797, when the last Doge of Venice, Lodovico Manin, lived in it. Since 1867, this palace was transferred to house the National Bank, where it operates to this day.

7. “Palazzo Grimani” or “Palazzo Grimani di San Luca”- this beautiful building is located at the intersection of the Rio di San Luca canal with the Grand Canal, not far from the Rialto Bridge. The Grimani Palace was built during the Renaissance for the Doge of Venice, Antonio Grimani, but after his death, it was constantly rebuilt by his heirs, Vittore Grimani, the Procurator General of Venice, and Giovanni Grimani, the Cardinal and Patriarch of Aquileia. The palazzo is divided into three parts and has a miniature backyard. Its elegant white facade is decorated with multi-colored marble. Today this Venetian palace houses the city's appeal court.

8. “Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti” or “Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti”- this architectural monument in the Gothic style is located near the Accademia Bridge, facing the Grand Canal, it has its main entrance from Campo Santo Stefano. This wonderful palace was built in the sixteenth century for the Marcello family. For three centuries, representatives of three related branches lived under the roof of the palazzo: Marcello, Gussoni, Cavalli. In the first half of the nineteenth century, the residence of the Austrian Archduke Friedrich Ferdinand was located here. And in 1878, the palazzo passed to Baron Raimondo Franchetti, and he began a large-scale reconstruction of the building, hiring the architect Camillo Boito. Today, within the walls of this palace is located the “Institute of Science, Literature and Art of Venice” - “Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti”. There are pavilions for various cultural events, exhibition halls occupy four hundred and fifty square meters, conference rooms - nine hundred square meters, a garden - one and a half thousand square meters.

9. “Palazzo Ca’ Foscari” or “Palazzo Foscari”- this majestic building was built in 1452, it is a prominent representative of the houses of the Venetian nobility. Its reddish facade is distinguished by symmetry and delicacy, which attracts the attention of any tourist. At first, the house was owned by the famous Venetian Giustiniani family, and then the mansion passed to the Foscari family, after which it was named. The architecture of the palace is Gothic: arches alternate with columns and windows. For several centuries, trade warehouses were located on the ground floor of the building, and only the upper rooms were residential. The main entrance of the mansion faces the Grand Canal. Royalty often stayed at the Ca' Foscari Palace, for example, the French king Henry III lived here. This palazzo has undergone several major restorations, the largest following a fire in 1979, and the final restoration, aimed at improving safety measures, took place in 2006. Today, there are several departments and institutions of the Ca' Foscari University - "Università Ca" Foscari. And another remarkable feature of Palazzo Ca' Foscari is associated with its location on the bend of the Grand Canal, which provides an excellent overview of the annual "Historical Regatta of Venice ", it is held on the first Sunday of September. For convenience, near the mansion there is a floating platform where jury members sit, monitoring the progress of the regatta, and awards are presented to the winners on it.

10. “Palazzo Dandolo” or “Palazzo Dandolo”- this beautiful mansion was built in 1400 for a Venetian family with a similar surname, but in 1536 they decided to sell this wonderful palace to the Gritti family, and since then the building began an endless change of owners: the Michele family, the Mocenigo family, the Bernando family. And so, the next owners of the palazzo decided to open a casino there. Thus, in the period from 1638 to 1774, the most famous gambling house in Venice was located in Palazzo Dandolo, until, through the efforts of the most influential families of the city, they decided to close it, putting pressure on the owner of the establishment, because noble young people of Venice had wasted more than one million fortune here. Today, this beautiful old palazzo houses the luxurious five-star Hotel Royal Danieli, and is very popular among tourists who want to live on the Grand Canal, near St. Mark's Square and the Ducal Palace. The address of Palazzo Dandolo and, accordingly, “Hotel Danieli”: street - “Riva degli Schiavoni” 4196, Venice, 30122. You can get to the hotel yourself by using water trams - “vaporetto” No. 1 or No. 2, departing from the train station or bus station.

11. "Palazzo Ca' Pesaro" or "Palazzo Ca" Pesaro"- this beautiful palace in the Venetian Baroque style was built in the second half of the seventeenth century for representatives of the famous Pesaro family. The author of the project is the architect Baldassare Longhena, who began the construction of the palazzo in 1659 from the part of the building facing the land, then he completed the courtyard, decorating it with a magnificent loggia, this was in 1676. Then he began construction of the façade on the side of the Grand Canal, but having reached the second floor of the palazzo, he died in 1682. The work of the great master was continued by his talented student, Antonio Gaspari, who completed the palace in 1710, according to the original drawings. For a long time, the mansion was supplemented and remodeled inside: it was decorated with wall frescoes by the most famous masters, and famous artists painted the ceilings: Francesco Trevisani, Girolamo Brusaferro, Nicolo Bambini, Giovanni Battista Pittoni. Previously, the palazzo had a fresco by Tiepolo: “Zephyr and Flora”, but in 1935 it was moved to the Museum of Venice, located in the “Palazzo Ca” Rezonico.” The Pesaro family owned many great works of world art - brilliant works by Titian, Giorgione, Carpaccio, Tintoretto, other Venetian artists of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. But, in 1830, after the death of the last representative of the Pesaro family, most of the property of one of the oldest Venetian families was sold off. Then the palace became the property of the Gradenigo family, then to the Armenian community, which opened within its walls. College. Then the palazzo was bought by Duchess Felecita Bevilacqua La Massa, and after her death she bequeathed it to the city so that a museum could be opened there. In 1902, a collection of modern art was housed here, and from 1908 to 1924, exhibitions began to be held in the palace. works by young artists: Gino Rossi, Felice Casorati, Umberto Boccioni, Arturo Martini The museum’s exhibition was constantly replenished thanks to such famous patrons as Baron Eduardo Franchetti, Prince Alberto Giovanelli, Baron Ernst Sighera, Filippo Grimani - a representative of the most noble Venetian family and a major political figure. In the twentieth century, paintings by Kandinsky, Miro, Morandi, Wildt, Klimt, Chagall, and other artists and sculptors appeared in the museum. Today, the Palazzo Ca Pesaro also houses the Museum of Modern Art - Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna, as well as the Museum of Oriental Art - Museo d'Arte Orientale, which is no less interesting.

12. “Palace Ca’ Dario” or “Palazzo Ca’ Dario”- oddly enough, this beautiful building is often called the “Cursed Castle of Venice”, the fact is that any of its new owners became unlucky: they went bankrupt, were attacked and violated, became victims of various accidents, committed suicide - that’s why local legends , finally secured its fame as a “cursed house”. This palace was built in 1487, in the Renaissance style: the structure is asymmetrical, its facade compares favorably with neighboring houses in that it is lined with beautiful mosaics of green marble and reddish porphyry. The front façade of this palace overlooks the Grand Canal, the building itself belongs to the Dorsoduro quarter, which stands on the Rio delle Torreselle, and with its opposite façade it faces Piazza Campiello Barbaro, facing the marina of Santa Maria de Giglio. At the end of the twentieth century, director Woody Allen chose this beautiful Venetian palace as a wedding venue. Today, Palazzo Ca'Dario is private property, but sometimes, with the consent of the owners, cultural events organized by the Venice Art Museum take place here.

13. “Palazzo Pisani Gritti” or “Palazzo Pisani Gritti”- a beautiful ancient building, dating back to the fourteenth century, which became the residence of the Doge of Venice Andrea Gritti and the family residence of this famous Venetian family. The facade of the palazzo overlooks the Grand Canal, located opposite the Church of the Madonna della Salute. The facade of the building was changed in the sixteenth century. The building has a Gothic architectural style; it is decorated with spectacular pointed arches and four lancet windows located in the center of the building. The third floor of the palazzo was rebuilt in the nineteenth century and acquired a neo-Gothic style; there are three lancet windows that are separated from each other. In ancient years, the facade of the beautiful building, on the side of the Grand Canal, was decorated with frescoes by Giorgione, but they were lost. The luxurious palace was often used as a residence for ambassadors from the Vatican. In the twentieth century, an elite hotel opened here, and at the same time a terrace was built on the ground floor overlooking the canal. In 1994, The Gritti Palace was associated with the prestigious Starwood Hotels & Resorts brand, becoming part of the Luxury Collection. It has undergone a thorough restoration, the interiors have been carefully restored to delight visitors to the city who come to experience the beautiful Venice.

14. “Palazzo Labia” or “Palazzo Labia”- the luxurious building of this palace was erected at the end of the seventeenth century as a residence for the richest Venetian family with Catalan roots. The building has two magnificent facades, which are made in the “Longren” style, one overlooks the Cannaregio Canal, the other overlooks the Grand Canal. Talented Venetian architects Alessandro Tremignona and Andrea Cominelli worked on these amazing architectural masterpieces. The third façade of the building faces San Jeremy Square and was completed in 1730. The inside of the palace is no less magnificent; its ballroom, designed by Giorgio Missveri, is especially gorgeous. The Labia family eventually went bankrupt and was forced to transfer their wonderful palace to Prince Lobkovich, and he, in turn, sold the mansion to the Israeli “Konigsberg Foundation”. Then a sawmill was set up in the interiors of the palazzo, a textile factory and a clothes dryer were opened, until in 1964 it was bought by the RAI television and radio company and the Regional Broadcasting Center was opened here.

15. “Palazzo dei Camerlenghi” or “Palazzo dei Camerlenghi”- this extraordinary palazzo is an ideal example of the early Renaissance, overlooking the Grand Canal, and forms an angle on both sides, its design was created by the great architect Guglielmo dei Grigi. The Palazzo was built by 1528, it was built specifically to house the administrative institutions of Venice, thus becoming the first purely public building in Europe. The Palazzo dei Kamerlinghi has distinctive features from other Venetian palaces: its front parts face each cardinal direction. At first the palace was the “House of City Treasurers”, then it became a state prison. The walls of the pentagon-shaped building, to indicate the significance of the institutions located here, were long ago decorated with overlays made of precious metals, but over time they were lost. The arches that overlook the Grand Canal contain numerous windows. In past centuries, the interior of the palace was decorated with two hundred paintings by famous Venetian artists, many of which were enormous in size, and such a collection was accumulated in a state institution for this reason: traditionally, upon retiring, every judge was obliged to give this palazzo an expensive painting. Of course, to this day, the lion's part of the collection was stolen, and even destroyed in 1797, after Napoleon captured Venice, but the remaining paintings can be seen in the Academy Museum.

Today we told you about the most interesting Venetian palaces, which have an ancient and glorious history, inextricably linked with the history of the city, the country and its great people. We hope that we were able to convince you of the need to visit Venice and the importance of getting to know the great masterpieces of Venetian architecture on the water.

Piazza Venezia in Rome (also known as Piazza Venezia, originally Piazza Venezia) is one of the many centers of attraction for tourists in the heart of the capital of Italy.

A large number of attractions are concentrated here. Most tourist excursions and independent trips around the Eternal City start from here.

Even during the Roman Republic, Piazza Venice was an important transport hub. The Roman fortress Servian Wall and the ancient Via Flaminius intersected here. From here, the main Roman streets diverge like rays: Fourth of November, Vittor Emmanuel Avenue, which leads to St. Peter's Basilica, Via Del Corso, leading to the site of the ancient Northern Gate of the city, Via Del Plebescita and Fori Imperiali, leading to the Colosseum.

Where is the square

Piazza Venezia in Rome is located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, just 1 kilometer northwest of the legendary Colosseum and 1 kilometer from Piazza Navona. In fact, it lies exactly in the middle between the Colosseum and Piazza Navona.

Geographic coordinates 41.895987, 12.482479


Where does the name Piazza Venezia come from?

The square received this name in honor of the Palace of Venice, erected here in 1455 on the orders of Pietro Barbo, who at that time served as a Venetian cardinal. By the way, after some time he became Pope Paul II.

Initially, the palace was in his possession, and later was used as the residence of the Venetian embassy in Rome. Later, Austrian diplomats and their families began to live here. Already in the 20th century, the building came under the rule of Benito Mussolini.

According to legend, this palace was built on the site of an ancient house where the evangelist Mark once stayed overnight. This is precisely the reason why people from Venice, whose patron Saint Mark is considered, loved to come here so much. Over time, this place began to be called the Palace of Venice. Accordingly, the square was called by this name.


Sights of Piazza Venezia in Rome

As we already said, this place has quite a lot of historical attractions. Let's take a closer look at the most famous of them.

Palace of Venice

This is the same palace from which the name of the square comes. It is located in its western part and was previously called the Palace of San Marco, that is, St. Mark.

The building's modest decorations include white marble windows and rectangular Guelph battlements. In general, the palace is quite simple in appearance. On the facade you will not find exquisite bas-reliefs or powerful columns.

If you look closely, you will see that the windows in the palace are located at different distances from each other. A certain asymmetry arises. In those days it was believed that such design prevented evil spirits from entering inside. The spirits, of course, paid tribute to the architects and under no circumstances visit the building.


As you can see, the windows are located at different distances

Interesting fact - The material for the construction of the palace was “borrowed” from the Colosseum, which was then in a sad state.

Currently, the palace houses the National Museum Palazzo Venezia. Its exhibition includes works by artists, ceramics, weapons and household items from the Middle Ages. The architectural composition of the palace also includes the Basilica of San Marco, which was rebuilt more than once. The modern facade of the basilica can be considered an arched structure. The church is decorated with mosaics depicting Jesus Christ and the apostles. The decoration of the premises is done in Baroque style. Several tombstones and relics of St. Mark are kept inside.

Interesting fact - The famous artist Michelangelo Buonarroti once lived opposite the Venice Palace. Unfortunately, his house has not survived to this day.

Interesting fact - At the end of 2010, Mussolini's "most secret" but unfinished bunker was discovered under this building.

Despite all this, it cannot be said that the structure is grandiose and pretentious, unlike the next building.

Vittoriano

Piazza Venezia in Rome is famous for the grandiose monument to the last king of Sardinia and the first king of Italy, Vittor Emmanuel II. This is actually why the building is known as Vittoriano.

This is the largest building in Piazza Venezia. It occupies an impressive territory on the northern slope of Capitol Hill.


Vittoriano - monument to the first king of Italy Vittore Emmanuel II

Interesting fact - In order to build this monument, entire neighborhoods were demolished.

This monument can be called a long-term construction, as it took 26 years to build. Work began in 1885 and ended in 1911. The main material for construction was white marble. The total height of the building is 81 meters.

After the end of the First World War, the Army Museum and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier were added here. Therefore, the monument has another name - “Altare Della Patria” or “Altar of the Fatherland”.


Vittoriano received its modern appearance only in 1935. The monument itself houses the Risorgimento Museum, dedicated to the struggle for the country's independence.

Interesting fact – Because of its appearance, locals call Vittoriano a “typewriter”, “wedding cake”, and sometimes… “false jaws”. In addition, the Romans themselves do not really like this monument, since, in their opinion, it does not fit in with the surrounding architecture.

There are 2 fountains at the entrance of the monument. Fountain of the Tyrrhenian on the right and Fontana dell’Adriatico on the left. The first fountain symbolizes the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the second the Adriatic.

Monument to Vittoro Emmanuel II

The central place in the architectural composition is occupied by the statue of Vittoro Emmanuel II himself on horseback.


Interesting fact - During excavations during the creation of the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, a mammoth skeleton with a straight tusk was discovered

From below, the statue does not seem very large, but in fact its dimensions are impressive, approximately 10 by 12 meters. It is so large that 20 workers, after the statue was completed, set up a long table inside it and celebrated the completion of the work. Here is an old photograph of this event.


Workers inside the horse. The citizen in the bowler hat on the left looks especially interesting.

By the way, don’t forget to visit the observation deck at the top of the building. You can get there by elevator. Stunning views of the city are provided to you at all 360 degrees.


House of Bonaparte

Another attraction of Piazza Venezia is the house where Maria Letizia Ramolino, the mother of Napoleon Bonaparte, lived in the 19th century. It is located in the northern part of the square and is known under the names Palazzo Bonaparte and Palazzo Misciatelli (after the names of the owners, respectively).


One of Laetitia's favorite pastimes was observing city life from her balcony. The constant worldly bustle reigning in the square was more important to her than the military victories of her own son. Even after his defeat and expulsion, she continued to live there and also observe the course of life in the Eternal City.

Interesting fact - She outlived her son by 15 years. Hence the moral - don’t fight, but enjoy life and.

Via del Corso

This is the longest straight street in Rome. Its length is 1.6 kilometers. The street begins at Piazza Popolo (in the original Piazza del Popolo), where the Northern Gate of Rome was once located, and ends at the Bonaparte house. It is famous for the fact that in ancient times it hosted carnivals with the participation and, of course, horse races. Today Via Del Corso is famous for its shops.

In addition, in the vicinity of the square you can see many ancient Roman buildings, such as Trajan's Forum, Trajan's Column, the Roman Forum and Trajan's Market. These are some of the most ancient architectural artifacts of Rome.


Trajan's Column
Trajan's Market

How to get to Piazza Venezia

  1. The easiest, but most expensive way is a taxi. Everything is clear here. We get into a taxi, tell where to go (or point our finger at a guidebook). Don't forget to admire the incredible views of Rome along the way
  2. You can save on a taxi and get to Piazza Venezia by metro. The nearest station is "Colosseum". From it about 1 kilometer to the northwest along Fori Imperiale street
  3. It will not be difficult to arrive at the square by ground transport. Here are the stops of the following bus numbers: 51, 60, 63, 80, 83, 85, 118, 160, 170, N4, N8, N9, N12, N18. Tram number 8 stops 100 meters southwest of the square. Also along Via del Plebescito there are buses numbers 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, N7, N15. Choose which one is most convenient for you
  4. If you are by car, then the geographical coordinates are indicated above in the article

A significant and very interesting place in Venice, which no tourist can ignore, is the Piazza (square) of Venice. The square received its name in the 15th century thanks to the Venetian cardinal Pietro Barbo. A palace was built on this site, which later housed the Venetian embassy. In front of the snow-white palace there is a monument to King Immanuel II (the first king of a united Italy), and the grandiose palace itself, or rather, the monument that adorns Piazza Venice, is called Vittoriano, which means Altar of the Fatherland. All together this is called the palace ensemble. The palace was built from stone taken from the quarries of the Colosseum. At the foot of the monument is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, near which a guard of honor is posted. And once upon a time, horse racing was held on this square. It is very interesting to climb the stairs to the columns of the Vittoriano Palace, from where you have a wonderful view of the entire square.


On the left is the Church of San Marco. Here in those bushes in the corner of the building there is a sculpture of Madame Lucretia


Changing of the guard of honor at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Piazza Venezia has several historical monuments in the form of ruins in open excavations. One of them is the Forum of Trajan. If you are interested in similar piles of stones and columns, there are several of them around the Vittoriano Palace. The Forum of Trojan is named after Emperor Trojan.


Trojan Forum. Excavations.


Forum. Ruins


If you stand with your back to the Vittoriano Palace and walk a little to the right, you will come across this forum. The 38-meter Troyan Column rises nearby, you will definitely see it. Immediately next to the column there are two almost identical churches with domes, which, undoubtedly, are the true decoration of Piazza Venice. One of them, closer to the column, is named after the Blessed Virgin Mary. Second church of Santa Maria di Loreto.

Dome of the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto

Standing with our back to the palace, we look to the left and see a pink three-story (three naves) building with a three-story square tower. This is the titular church of San Marco, one of the oldest in Rome. Entry is free. All tourists are shown a window with a balcony in this building, from which Mussolini usually spoke.

A very interesting landmark of Piazza Venezia in Rome is located near the entrance to the church. San Marco. To the left of the entrance to the church, in the very corner you can see a sculpture (bust) of a woman made of white stone. This is Madame Lucrecia, mistress of the Neapolitan King Alfonso of Aragon.

Opposite the Church of San Marco across the road is another interesting building, somewhat reminiscent of the Palace of Venice. This is the Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali. (Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali). This building was built in 1911. We cross the street along the passage towards Troyan's Column and on the right we notice another excavation. By the way, the road to the northern provinces of the Roman Empire, built in the 220th century BC (Flaminian Way), once began from Piazza Venezia.

If you walk around the Vittoriano monument from the back side, you will come to the Capitol Square (Piazza del Campidoglio), in the middle of which there is an equestrian monument. This is none other than Marcus Aurelius. The buildings around the monument are: Palazzo Senatorio, Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Nuovo and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Araceli. All this is on Capitol Hill. The city hall is now located in the palace of senators. The Palace of the Conservatives houses a museum of ancient Roman busts. If anyone is interested in such exhibits, then entrance to the museums costs 13 euros.