Piazza Venezia

See a modern iconic monument in this busy piazza.

Sitting at the base of Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, Piazza Venezia is home to beautiful buildings, an iconic monument, and even an antique basilica. Don’t just pass through. Take a moment to savor this pretty piazza.

Highlights

• Marvel at an enormous equestrian statue at the Altar of the Fatherland.
• Delve into the piazza’s Renaissance past in the Palazzo Venezia.
• Converse about politics with Madame Lucrezia – a ‘talking statue’.

Map & Directions (Location)

Piazza Venezia is located right in the heart of the city center. It’s on the path of many bus routes, and it’s also easily accessible by foot from most places in the center.

Bus: 40, 63, 64, 70, 75, 81, 87, 95, 160, 170, 204, 628, 630, and 716 all stop on or near the piazza.

Metro: Line A – Barberini (15-min.)

Line B – Colosseo (12-min.)

Tram: Line 8 has its terminal here.

What to See and Do

Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II

Also known as Altare della Patria. It was built in honor of Italy, with Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy, holding a flame, symbolizing eternity, and is overall a symbol of Italian democracy.

Visitors can climb to the top of the monument to get an amazing view of Rome. By using the panoramic lifts, you can reach the spectacular terrace at the top of the monument, ‘Terrazza delle Quadrighe’. Tickets for this fully immersive experience can be purchased here.

Take a look inside and explore the museum.

Side view of Altare della Patria

Close-up of Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II

The Central Museum of Risorgimento

The museum holds information on the main stages of the Risorgimento process, from the spread of the ideals of the French Revolution in the second half of the eighteenth century to the end of the First World War.

They are open every day, from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Entrance to the outside grounds is free. You can buy tickets or look at pricing for tours or other experiences here.

I also recommend visiting their café in the back area of the building. You can freshen up and take a few minutes to relax with an amazing view.

Palazzo Venezia

This building was once the papal residence and later became the seat of Mussolini’s government during World War II. It now houses a museum dedicated to medieval and Renaissance art; you can find a wide variety of pieces, from paintings to polychrome wood sculptures, tapestries, weapons, armor, and terracotta sculptures.

The building opens at 9:30 a.m., and you can decide to take a walk around the museum or just explore their amazing garden, filled with various bird species. Entrance to the garden is free. The museum has special pricing for students, young adults, and the elderly; they also have days where admission is free.

You can find out more, book, and purchase tickets here. There are package tickets, valid for 7 days, which allow access to The Central Museum of Risorgimento, Palazzo Venezia, and Terrazza delle Quadrighe. I recommend purchasing this if you plan on visiting all the attractions.

Entrance to Palazzo Venezia on Via del Plebiscito 

Inside garden of Palazzo Venezia

 Capitoline Hill

On the right side of Piazza Venezia, at Piazza del Campidoglio, you can find the Capitoline Museums, a must for art and history lovers. The museums house a vast collection of ancient Roman art and artifacts, including works by Michelangelo and Caravaggio.

I am sure that you’ve seen the sculpture of the she-wolf with two children, Romulus and Remus; this is the symbol of the foundation of Rome and is, of course, inside the Capitoline Museums.

There are always new temporary exhibits, so I would recommend taking a look at them before visiting.

You can look at the tickets and package deals here.

Stairs up to the Capitoline Museums

Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli

This historic and beautiful church is located right next to Piazza Venezia, perched on top of Capitoline Hill. It is known for its stunning architecture, intricate frescoes, and rich history. The church dates back to the 6th century. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful artworks, including the famous ‘Madonna and Child’ by Arnolfo di Cambio.

If you survive the long walk up the stairs to get to the church, you’ll be able to see not only an amazing view of Rome but also the amazing church ceilings. The view on its own is worth the hike up the flight of stairs. The Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli is a must-visit; it is one of my personal favorites.

Stairs up to Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli

Main entrance view of the inside of Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli

The Trajan’s Column

You can find this on the left side of Piazza Venezia. It commemorates the victories of Emperor Trajan in the Dacian Wars. The Column is made up of 17 cylindrical ‘rocks’. 

• Fun fact: The column also contains a spiral staircase with 185 steps that leads to the top.

Surroundings

After visiting Piazza Venezia and its attractions, you can go and visit other nearby locations.

• Roman Forum: This ancient site is located just a short walk from Piazza Venezia and is home to some of the most impressive ruins from ancient Rome, including the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Titus.

• Colosseum: The iconic location is also located nearby, right across from metro B, and is a must-see for any visitor in Rome. This ancient amphitheater was once the site of gladiator battles and other public spectacles.

• Trevi Fountain: One of the most famous fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain is located just a few blocks from Piazza Venezia.

• Pantheon: This ancient temple is one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome and is located just a short walk from Piazza Venezia. It is famous for its massive dome and impressive interior.

Shopping and Dining

The area around Piazza Venezia is home to many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleyways of the historic center and discover hidden gems.

Overall, Piazza Venezia is a place you will definitely pass by and can’t miss when in Rome. With its impressive monuments, historic buildings, and vibrant surroundings, it offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Eternal City, not to mention the amazing views.

Its strategic location makes it great for a multi-location tour day. Most of the museums are quick visits, so I would recommend visiting on the same day as the Colosseum, Trevi, Pantheon, Circo Massimo, or other nearby attractions so you can really make the most of the day, especially if you are only in Rome for a short period of time.

Did You Know That: 4 Interesting Facts 

1. When Venice came under Austrian rule, the very historic medieval building, Palazzo Venezia, became its embassy in Italy.
   
   
2. In 1770, in Palazzo Venezia, Mozart, at only 14 years old, gave a concert that was attended by Pope Paul II himself.
   
   
3. Every June 2, Italian Independence Day, Piazza Venezia is the base where the military march starts and where you can see the famous A350-900 planes shoot out the colors of the Italian flag.
   
   
4. One of the rooms in Palazzo Venezia, ‘Sala del Concistoro’, had five chandeliers brought directly from Murano. That is why the room is known as the Room of 5 Lights.

History

• Piazza Venezia was initially a vast Medieval and Renaissance quarter. Its current appearance and layout were the result of new urban planning carried out in the late nineteenth-early twentieth century after the proclamation of Rome as the capital and, later, the death of King Victor Emanuel II.
  
  
• In 1885, construction began on the Altar of the Fatherland, also known as the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument. Many structures were torn down to make place for it and to revamp the square. Palazzo Venezia (1455) is one of the few older buildings that remains.
  
  
• The Palazzetto San Marco was demolished to allow a clear view of the altar from all the way down Via del Corso, an important street roughly 1.5km in length.
  
  
• The Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali was built between 1906 and 1911, replacing two other buildings. This insurance building was designed to mirror the Palazzo Venezia and to make the square look more expansive.
  
  
• The Altar of the Fatherland was finally inaugurated in 1911, even though it was not yet fully complete.
  
  
• In 1921, the remains of an Unknown Soldier, a victim of World War I, were buried in a tomb underneath the statue of the goddess Roma atop the altar.
  
  
• From the 1920s to the 1940s, fascist dictator Mussolini used Palazzo Venezia as his seat of government. It was on its balcony that he gave his infamous speeches to crowds in the piazza below.
  
  
• Today, the piazza is the center of one of the busiest intersections in Rome. Tourists and locals alike pass through it daily on their way to other places. But many also stop here to marvel at this iconic piazza and all it has to offer.

FAQs

Address: Piazza Venezia, , Roma, Italy · view larger map