The first king of Italy

The Vittorio Emanuele Monument in Piazza Venezia was erected to commemorate the unification of Italy and to honour the first king, Vittorio Emanuele, who was annointed in 1862

Here is a picture of it being built

Today it looks like this

The unification covered all regions although initially Venetia was held by the Austrians until 1871. The Vatican still remains outside the union.

The monument is Romes most flaboyant landmark. It was built in the late 1800's and is often described as the wedding cake or typewriter.

You must go to the top of the monument (7 Euro) to see the spectacular views over Roma

Looking down Via Corso to Piazza dei Popolo from the top of the monument

The roman forum, centre of Roman life 2000 years ago

Roman forum

Roman forum

Roman forum

Roman forum

Note St Peters top left in this photo and the Pantheon (round dome centre right). The Pantheon was a pagan temple which preceded christianity in Rome

There are numerous features both on and within the monument. Near the top of this picture you can see the female figures representing all the regions of Italy

On top of each side of the monument are statues representing liberty and unity. This one is unity

and finally the truth comes out.........yes we are tourists

Ciao, ciao bacci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan