The Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria) is a monumental complex in Rome, Italy, dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. Built between 1885 and 1935, the Altar is a symbol of Italian unification and national pride. It is located on the Piazza Venezia, one of the busiest squares in Rome.
The construction of the Altar of the Fatherland was initiated in 1885, following the death of King Victor Emmanuel II. The complex was designed by the architect Giuseppe Sacconi and was completed in 1935. The Altar was officially inaugurated on the 4th of June, 1911, on the 50th anniversary of Italian unification.
The Altar of the Fatherland is a massive neoclassical structure, built from white marble. The complex consists of a central building, the Altar, which is flanked by two wings, the Propylaea. The Altar is crowned by a quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses, which symbolizes the triumph of Italy.
The Altar is the central part of the complex. It is a rectangular building with a large staircase leading to the entrance. The interior of the Altar is decorated with marble statues and mosaics depicting scenes from Italian history. The Altar also houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by two bronze statues.
The Propylaea are the two wings that flank the Altar. They are each composed of a large portico supported by columns. The Propylaea house the Museum of the Risorgimento, which tells the story of Italian unification.
The Quadriga is a bronze chariot drawn by four horses that crowns the Altar. It was designed by the sculptor Ettore Ximenes and was added to the complex in 1927. The Quadriga is a symbol of the triumph of Italy and represents the nation's victory in World War I.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in the center of the Altar. It contains the remains of an unknown Italian soldier who died in World War I. The tomb is guarded by two bronze statues representing Victory and Peace.
The Museum of the Risorgimento is located in the Propylaea. It tells the story of Italian unification through a collection of artifacts, documents, and works of art. The museum is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Italian history.
The Altar of the Fatherland is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. It is a symbol of Italian unity and national pride, and it is a must-see for visitors to the city. The Altar is also a venue for official ceremonies and events.
The remains of the Unknown Soldier were selected from among the bodies of 11 unidentified soldiers who had died in battle during World War I. The body was chosen by a young mother who had lost her son in the war. The Unknown Soldier was buried in the Altar of the Fatherland on November 4, 1921.
The Quadriga was originally intended to be made of marble, but the sculptor, Ettore Ximenes, decided to use bronze instead. The bronze Quadriga was completed in 1927 and was installed on the Altar in 1935.
The Museum of the Risorgimento was founded in 1904 and was originally located in the Palazzo Venezia. In 1935, the museum was moved to its current location in the Altare della Patria. The museum has a collection of over 100,000 artifacts, documents, and works of art related to Italian unification.
The Altar of the Fatherland is a reminder of the importance of unity and national pride. It is also a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by Italians throughout history in the name of their country. The Altar is a place where Italians can come to remember their history and celebrate their culture.
The Altar of the Fatherland is a monument to Italian unity and national pride. It is a must-see for visitors to Rome and a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by Italians throughout history in the name of their country.
Year | Event |
---|---|
1885 | Construction begins |
1911 | Altar is inaugurated |
1927 | Quadriga is installed |
1935 | Complex is completed |
Measurement | Value |
---|---|
Length | 135 meters |
Width | 70 meters |
Height | 70 meters |
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Altar | The central building of the complex, housing the tomb of the Unknown Soldier |
Propylaea | The two wings that flank the Altar, housing the Museum of the Risorgimento |
Quadriga | The bronze chariot drawn by four horses that crowns the Altar |
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier | The tomb of an unknown Italian soldier who died in World War I |
Museum of the Risorgimento | A museum that tells the story of Italian unification |