Il Vittoriano, Rome

This is a continuation from yesterdays post. We had visited the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. We had lunched. We were raring to go to our next destination "Il Vittoriano". The sun was high in the sky and it was very hot.

En route we went past this beautiful mosaic of Mary holding the baby, Jesus.

We walked past a great many mopeds, scooters and bicycles - the best way to get around? I would be tempted if I was in my 20's but being in my 40's with responsibilities it was a sensible "No."  

We arrived at "Il Vittoriano" aka Victor Emmanuel Monument. It is a monumnet to honour Victor Emmanuel, the first King of a unified Italy. It was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi in 1885 and completed in 1935. The monument holds the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The structure is referred to by a variety of nicknames such as "Wedding Cake" and "Typewriter".

The monument was controversial as a large area of Capitoline Hill had to be destroyed in order for it to be constructed. It is made of white marble and is therefore rather conspicuous amidst all the other generally brownish buildings.

However, the panoramic views from the top are spectacular and I will show them to you on a later post.

A view looking back from Il Vittariano.

One of the statues on the monument.

Another statue.

The view having climbed up the initial steps.

I liked the Italian flags being blown gently by the breeze.

A further view from the steps but slightly higher up.

To the side of the building was this bell tower and next to that was a glass elevator to take you to the top of the building. The view from the top was breathtaking!

Until next time.

June.