The Rome IndexPiazza Venezia & the Vittoriano
The busy crossroads at Rome's geographic center, and the enormous white monument above it.
The Vittoriano
The gleaming white marble monument built to honor unified Italy's first king, Victor Emmanuel II — nicknamed the "Wedding Cake" by locals. The rooftop terrace is reached by elevator and offers a 360° view over the city at a fraction of the wait for St Peter's dome.
The Altare della Patria
Inside the Vittoriano, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded around the clock — the changing of the guard is a quiet, dignified ceremony worth pausing to watch.
Palazzo Venezia
Mussolini gave speeches from its famous balcony; today it houses a fine arts museum often overlooked by visitors focused on the Vittoriano next door.