BrowsingRome Blogging about my experiences and sharing my thoughts about Rome, Italy and beyond
All roads in Rome seem to lead to the Piazza Venezia which had been the hub of the city’s road network since 1881. So, it’s always a not a surprise when you see traffic stuck in every direction around Piazza Venezia. However,if you are an early bird and head out before the crowd hits, you will be able to experience the quiet here.
Headed out early one morning, I was able to take this video of a calm Piazza Venezia but as you can see there was already a tour bus in action!
I think all roads lead to Piazza Venezia because coming from the Colosseum, and passing the Roman Forum the road leads you here. From Piazza del Popolo the road gets your here too. And so it goes.
The Piazza Venezia actually lies at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, near the Roman Forum and it is lined with interesting and beautiful architecture. The Piazza is named after Cardinal Venezia who ordered the building of the Palazzo Venezia in 1455, which runs along one side of the Piazza. Close to the main palazzo is the smaller Palazzetto Venezia which was reconstructed and placed here in 1882. Nearby is the San Marco Church, which was founded in 1336 by the Pope Marco, restored in 1792 and rebuilt in 1883. Only the tower remains of the original church building.
The focal point on the south side of the square is the magnificent Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, a massive monument intended to honor the newly unified Italy in 1911. It was actually dedicated to the first King of the Republic, Victor Emanuele II. This impressive and huge monument was soon the focus of controversy as huge sums of money were diverted into the project from newly imposed national taxes which was not a popular move.
Furthermore, sections of the ancient Capitoline Hill and surrounding neighborhoods were demolished to make space for what was dubbed the ‘Wedding Cake’ or the ‘Typewriter’. On top of the structure is a massive bronze figure of the king on horseback. On the front steps are the Eternal Flame of the Fatherland and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Many people visiting Rome with undoubtedly pass by Piazza Venezia on their way to one of Rome’s many attractions. Allocate some time here to visit the museums around the area and also the Il Vittoriano. Also there are many good restaurants nearby such as in the Ghetto (Jewish Quarters).