Venice plaza

Piazza Venezia, located in the bustling heart of Rome, is one of the most emblematic squares in the city. Its rich and varied history reflects the political, social, and architectural transformations that have crossed the Italian capital. The square’s name comes from the majestic Palazzo Venezia, built in 1455 for the Venetian cardinal Pietro Barbo, who later became Pope Paul II. This Renaissance building, with its Gothic windows and characteristic balcony, was initially a papal residence and later the seat of the embassy of the Republic of Venice. The square is dominated by the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as Il Vittoriano or Altare della Patria. This imposing monument in white marble, built between 1885 and 1935, celebrates the first king of united Italy and is a symbol of patriotism and national unity. The monument is decorated with statues, reliefs, and a majestic staircase leading to a panoramic terrace, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Rome. The construction of the Vittoriano involved the demolition of numerous historic buildings, profoundly altering the urban layout of the square. Palazzo Venezia is another element of great historical and artistic importance. This 15th-century building now houses the National Museum of Palazzo Venezia, which preserves a rich collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, including masterpieces by artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. The palace is also known for the balcony from which Benito Mussolini, during the fascist regime, addressed the crowd. This aspect adds a significant historical and political dimension to the square, making it a place of great relevance even for recent Italian history. Among the other attractions of the square is the Basilica of San Marco, an example of Romanesque architecture located on the western side. Built in the 13th century, the basilica houses important works of art and relics. Near the basilica is the Trajan’s Column, an ancient Roman monument erected in 113 AD to celebrate Emperor Trajan’s victories over the Dacians. The column is decorated with a spiral frieze depicting scenes from Trajan’s military campaigns and is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Over the centuries, Piazza Venezia has undergone numerous changes. In the 19th century, during the Napoleonic occupation, it became the property of the Habsburgs and hosted Austro-Hungarian diplomats until 1916. After World War I, the square returned under Italian state control, which initiated major restructuring works for the construction of the Vittoriano. These works involved the demolition of numerous historic buildings, including part of the Convent of Aracoeli and the Tower of Paul III. During the fascist regime, Piazza Venezia became the nerve center of military parades and regime demonstrations. Mussolini used the balcony of Palazzo Venezia for his speeches, which were broadcast to the nation through radio and newsreels, consolidating the symbolic importance of the square in fascist propaganda. Today, Piazza Venezia is one of the main transport hubs in Rome, where important arteries converge such as Via del Corso, Via dei Fori Imperiali, and Via del Plebiscito. The square is an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s numerous historical and cultural attractions, such as the Capitoline Hill, the Imperial Forums, and the Colosseum. Its centrality and wealth of monuments make it a must-visit for anyone visiting Rome. An interesting anecdote concerns the tradition of the “Corsa dei Barberi,” a horse race without a jockey held during the Roman Carnival. The horses started from Piazza del Popolo and finished the race at Piazza Venezia, along Via del Corso. This tradition, which began in the 17th century, was abolished at the end of the 19th century due to the numerous accidents involving spectators. Another fascinating aspect of Piazza Venezia is the panoramic view offered from the terrace of the Vittoriano. By taking the glass elevator, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city, especially at sunset or at night when Rome lights up with a thousand lights.