ALTAR OF FATHERLAND

The majestic Altar of the Fatherland is the emblem of Italy in the world, symbol of change, of the Risorgimento and of the Constitution. It was built in 1885 by Umberto I of Savoy, son of Vittorio Emanuele II, first King of Italy, on the first hill on which Rome was founded, between the Colosseum, which has always been a symbol of Imperial Rome and the Vatican sign of the Church's power.

This white marble building, 81 meters high, hides many allegorical meanings that geographically represent the whole of Italy. On both sides there are two fountains with the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, up above are the words "PATRIAE UNITATI" and "CIVIUM LIBERATI" fundamental principles of unity and freedom on which the new state was based, sculptural groups along the whole building that represent Strength, Law, Action, Concord, Sacrifice and Thought. On a golden mosaic we find the work, base on which the economy of the country rests, with agriculture and industry.

In memory of the First World War in 1921, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed in the center, near the Statue of Rome, in memory of all the fallen and missing in the various battles. On a pedestal, in the middle of the entire structure, stands the equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, on its base there are 14 Italian cities, above the columns in the columns are the 16 regions of the time. The entire colonnade that forms the terrace is decorated with marble and mosaics by Giulio Bargellini, in recognition of the Faith, the Work, the Strength, Wisdom, Law, Value and Peace.

With a glass elevator you can reach the terrace of the quadrilles and enjoy a unique show across the Eternal City. Inside the Vittoriano is preserved the flags Memorial, the museum of the Risorgimento and the Italian immigration museum, on the left side we find the entrance to one of the most important temporary exhibition spaces in Rome, the Complesso del Vittoriano.

The altar of the fatherland is an obligatory stop for every tourist, Italian or not!