The Altar of the Fatherland, also known as the “Altare della Patria” in Italian, is one of the most iconic and impressive landmarks in Rome, Italy.
This massive marble structure sits at the center of the Piazza Venezia and features a museum, a panoramic terrace, and a statue of the first king of a united Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II.
The Altar of the Fatherland is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in Roman history, architecture, art, or both.
This massive monument is an excellent representation of the grandeur and opulence of the Roman Empire.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the Altar of the Fatherland is an essential destination for anyone looking to explore the best that Rome has to offer.
In this blog post, we will discuss the history, architecture, and significance of the Altar of the Fatherland, as well as tips for visiting this iconic landmark and making the most of your trip to Rome.
What are the Architectural and artistic works here?
The “fountains of the two seas,” which are devoted to the Adriatic Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea, are situated against the Vittoriano’s exterior base on either side of the Piazza Venezia entrance.
Both the fountains are placed in a flower bed and have a hydraulic system that recycles water from the start, preventing waste.
They stand for the two main Italian seas, and from this vantage point, the Vittoriano is considered to be part of the Italian Peninsula.
The Exterior of the Altar
There is a staircase that leads to the terrace of the Italian Unknown Soldier, as well as the Altar of the Fatherland, which serves as the Vittoriano’s first raised platform and symbolic heart, which is located at the entry of the gate itself.
Along the stairs, there is also a series of sculptures that attracts all its visitors to the Altar of the Fatherland.
Statues of noble cities
All the sculptural representations of 14 Italian noble cities visible outside the altar are all the capitals of Italian countries that existed before the Savoy monarchy.
These cities can be found based on the equestrian monument of Victor Emmanuel II that is portrayed there.
Tickets for the tour of the Alter of the Fatherland
You don’t need a ticket to enter the Altar of the Fatherland because entry is free.
Due to their wide service, the 72 and 48-hour Roma Passes are perfect for sightseeing in Rome. They do not, however, include entry to the Risorgimento Central Museum.
The entry may be free, but the tours of the site are not free, and if you don’t take a tour and just roam inside, you might miss a lot of knowledge about the iconic place.
If tourists don’t want to climb many stairs, they can purchase a ticket to take the Roma dal Cielo Ascensore to the Quadrigae Terrace.
Children under the age of 10 and adults up to the age of 18, as well as the elderly 65 and over, are allowed to ride for free.
Opening hours and when should you visit?
The opening hours of the Altar of the Fatherland start at 9.30 am, and it closes its gates by 7.30 pm [last entry at 6.45 pm max!].
The best time to visit is either 10:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. Also, there is no need for tickets based on whatever time you visit, as tickets are needed only for the elevators and the museum.
If one wants to see the museums and use the elevator, I would suggest booking your visit in advance because if you plan on going to the top of the building, it will take at least 30 minutes of your time.
How to Reach the Altar of the Fatherland
The exact address of the altar of the fatherland is
Piazza Venezia, 00186 Rome, Italy, and the map for better direction is also mentioned below.
Make a note of this article and save it to your travel list to avoid googling everything and rushing for the perfect answer right when you need it!
Finally, but not least!
In conclusion, the Altar of the Fatherland, or Altare della Patria, is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Rome.
The grandeur and opulence of this massive marble structure, along with its rich history and spectacular views, make it a truly unforgettable experience.
We hope this travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Altar of the Fatherland.
If you have any additional tips or personal experiences you’d like to share, please leave a comment below.
Your feedback is valuable to us and other readers who are planning to visit this iconic landmark in Rome
