In this article, we have combined three famous and main attractions of Rome. We united them according to the principle of a nearby location to each other. Or rather, not the location, but the concentration around one well-known Roman square - Venice Square.
It is Venice Square that acts as the basis and connecting link of all other objects, they are located around it, on it. In addition, it is impossible to consider each attraction separately, since only all the objects in an osprey make up that unchanging and so beautiful Palazzo Venice.
But first things first. So,
Piazza Venezia in Rome
The Roman square of Venice is called Piazza Venezia and is a famous and vast square located in the heart of the Italian capital. It is from this area, as a rule, that everything originates. sightseeing tours in Rome, also it is she who stands in the forefront of the main and most memorable sights of Rome. Piazza Venezia gives rise to the main streets of Rome.
The area is located at the foot of capitol hill, near the Roman Forum and, as well as within walking distance from the main railway station Rome - Termini (Roma Termini). Arriving at the station and, the first thing we met along the way was Piazza Venezia.
This area is called the Palazzo Venice for a reason. It was here, back in the fifteenth century, that the Venetian Cardinal Pietro Barbo (later Pope Paul II) built a palace, where after 1567 the embassy of the Venetian Republic was located. So, thanks to the embassy of Venice, the square got its name. And this is not the only case for Rome, as there is in Rome, which got its name also due to the fact that the Spanish embassy was and is located on the territory of the square.
There is nothing special about the square itself. Perhaps tourists would have bypassed it, and the lists of sights would have put the piazzo in the last rows, if not for one but ... It is here, in the very center of the square, that the most beautiful and somewhat unusual monument in its architecture, erected in honor of the first king of united Italy, is located , Victor Emmanuel II.
Vittoriano (Italian name Vittoriano), this is the very monument in honor of King Emmanuel II, which serves as a symbol of united Italy.
This palace, if you can call it that, but we will call it that here, because it looks very much like a small palace or a cake. So, it is this palace, and not the square, that catches the eye and makes an impression.
The Vittoriano project was designed by the Italian architect Giuseppe Sacconi in the style of late classicism and the spirit of ancient Roman architecture. The construction of this majestic building began in 1885 and was carried out until 1935 inclusive.
The main and central part of the monument, which is an invariable decoration of Vittoriano, is a twelve-meter bronze equestrian statue of King Victor Emmanuel II. The statue of Victor rises majestically above the central staircase.
The creators of the monument did their best, maybe even overdone it. Sometimes you look at the statue and you get the impression that the monument is simply cluttered with details and decorations that frame the bronze equestrian statue of the king. Various statues, columns, bas-reliefs and other patterns endow the monument with a luxury that looks excessive. Even among the Romans themselves, there are various condescendingly contemptuous names for this monument, the most famous of which are: “Typewriter”, “Wedding Cake”, “False Jaw” and others.
Although, on the other hand, it is precisely these details that attract the eye, making Vittoriano and the square so special.
The statue of Vittoriano is also called "Altar of the Fatherland" ( Altare della Patria). The statue got its second name due to the fact that at the foot of the equestrian statue is the tomb of the unknown soldier. A guard of honor is constantly on duty at the grave.
In general, in terms of architecture, the entire palace has many decorative elements, columns and monuments, which gives it such a colorful and idle look.
In the evening, when it gets dark, the Vittoriano is illuminated with soft lights, which smooth out the immodest pretentiousness and the palace looks even more beautiful than in the daytime.
The Vittoriano houses two museums - the Risorgimento and the flags of the navy. Admission is free, open to visitors during the day.
This is what Venice Square looked like in the 1930s
On the territory of Vittoriano, in addition to museums, there are viewing platforms and a cafeteria. From the observation deck - Terrazza delle Quadrighe, a good panorama of the nearby environs of Rome opens.
View of Trajan's Forum
We are at the observation deck. Just happy
Piazza Venezia is the starting point of many tourist routes, as it is located in the center of Rome and is considered one of the main squares of the city. Piazza Venezia has not lost its importance since the Middle Ages, when it was the crossroads of important trade routes. Now it is crossed by six important streets of Rome. In the 15th century, on the instructions of Cardinal Pietra Barbo, at the foot of the Capitol, the Palace of Venice was built, which gave the name Piazza.
Piazza Venezia: history
Today, Piazza Venezia is the center from which the Roman streets diverge like the rays of the sun. They will lead to the Colosseum, to St. Peter's Square, the famous Roman quarter of Trastevere. From here begins the main shopping street with various shops and boutiques - Via del Corso.
In the Middle Ages, when Cardinal Barbo became Pope Paul II, on his orders, the square became the venue for the traditional Roman carnival. The main event of the festivities was the wild horse racing, which was later abolished by Victor Emmanuel II, after whose reign the square began to change its appearance. The construction of the Vittoriano monument and the expansion of the territory began.
In all corners of the piazza you can see a lot interesting places associated with historical events cities. Not far from the church of San Marco, a bust of Madame Lucrezia has been standing since the time of the papal rule. In the Middle Ages, criticism of the authorities was forbidden, so the people expressed their dissatisfaction on paper and pasted it on the bust. According to some sources, the bust of Madama Lucretia depicted the goddess Isis. According to another version, this bust was erected in honor of the beloved woman of King Alphonse of Aragon - Lucrezia Borgia. Lucrezia patronized artists and musicians.
Legends also hover around the Bonaparte Palace, which stands out on the square with its green balcony. Napoleon's mother, Laetitia Bonoparte, loved this place very much, but she was so talkative and curious that, without a twinge of conscience, she discussed the outfits passing by the ladies. This behavior did not reflect well on the reputation of the emperor, and he ordered the balcony to be shuttered.
Palace of Venice
The Palazzo, built by order of Cardinal Barbo, is considered one of the first monuments of the Renaissance. The Roman Forums, the Colosseum in the middle of the 15th century had no historical significance, they were broken down to use stone for new buildings. It was with stones from the Colosseum that the palace of Venice was built. The windows in the building are not symmetrical - this was done so that evil spirits could not get inside.
The palazzo had many owners. Initially, it housed the embassy of Venice, which gave the name to the palace. After being occupied by Austria, it was the Austrian embassy for a long time. Then it was occupied by the Fascist Party of Italy, led by Benito Mussolini.
The building now houses the national historical Museum, which presents items related to the historical period from the Middle Ages to the XIX century. The museum is open six days a week, except Mondays from 8.30 to 19.30. But tourists are always most interested in the Chere Museum, located in the same building. In it you can see the exposition of wax figures of famous personalities and Mussolini's office, recreated to the smallest detail.
Church of San Marco
Practically being part of the palace of Venice, the church of San Marco rises on the square - the oldest basilica in the city. The 4th century building was rebuilt several times. By order of Cardinal Barbo, it was made part of the Palace of Venice during its construction. In the middle of the 18th century, the basilica was again subjected to reconstruction, after which all the decoration was made in the Baroque style. But, despite all the alterations, the church has preserved a colorful mosaic dating from the 9th century, depicting Jesus Christ surrounded by saints and part of the floor from the time of Pope Paul II. Under the altar are the relics of one of the popes - Mark. Entrance to the church is free. But it is recommended to take coins with you to throw them into the bowl for "defiling the temple".
Vittoriano
The very square of Venice in Rome, which has a rectangular shape, does not represent anything outstanding. What makes it unusual is the monument to the first king of united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II - Vittoriano, erected on the slope of the Capitol Hill. The author of the monument was Giuseppe Sacconi, according to whose drawings construction continued for fifty years. He won the competition announced by the government. But in his developments, the architect relied on the clear requirements of the customer: the place - the northern slope of the Capitol, necessarily the statue of the equestrian and the rear arbitrary building that closes the church of Santa Maria in Araceli. All structures were made of marble quarried in the province of Brescia.
The main part of the ensemble is a statue depicting Victor Emmanuel seated on a horse. It is cast in bronze and has a height of 12 meters. Until now, the first king is revered by the Italians as a liberator and protector.
The "Altar of the Fatherland" is located under the statue of the king. It was built in 1906 by the sculptor Angello Zanelli and was conceived as the personification of labor and love for the Fatherland. All images decorating the bas-reliefs are allegorical and symbolize agriculture, industry, and the fire of the motherland. Since 1921, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, dedicated to the heroes of the First World War, has been located here.
The erection of the Vittoriano led to demolition a large number ancient buildings, but during the excavations, the ruins of a house dating back to the 2nd century AD and a Roman fortress wall were discovered, which are now available for viewing to tourists.
All buildings of the monument combine the features of many historical styles.
The entrance to the building is decorated with columns. Two bronze statues are installed in the open area, symbolizing the unity of the Motherland and the freedom of citizens. Two fountains in front of the building are symbols of the seas washing the peninsula: the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic. Six statues symbolize Italian values, sixteen more Italian regions.
For such eclecticism, the presence of bulky details, their crowding, the Italians themselves do not like it. They call it "wedding cake", "false jaw", "typewriter" and this is not a complete list of condescending names of the complex. Tourists do not miss the opportunity to take large-scale photos against such a monumental background and admire what they see. In the evening, Vittoriano is illuminated with soft light, from which its pretentiousness is smoothed out, and it becomes even more beautiful.
The Vittoriano ensemble includes two museums: the Risorgimento and the flags of the navy.
Here is one of the best viewing platforms in the city. In December, the largest Christmas tree is set up in Piazza Venezia. In the same place, a park of horse-drawn carts settled, ready to take tourists to any part of Rome.
How to get there
Piazza Venezia is located near the Teremini station, from which three bus routes: 50, 64, 175. Near the Basilica of San Marco tram stop number 8. The closest metro stations to the square are: Colosseo, Cavour. They are located a 10-minute walk from Piazza Venezia. The road from the metro goes along the imperial forums, bronze sculptures that have turned green from time to time.
On the Grand Canal, one cannot but pay attention to the wonderful facades of the Venetian palaces! Your eyes will fall on the beautiful buildings, fraught with the secrets and mysteries of the city, as well as reminiscent of its former greatness. We have selected the five most beautiful, in our opinion, palaces beautiful city on the water.
This marvelous building in the Gothic style was erected right by the waters in 1437-1452 and belonged to the Venetian Doge Francesco Foscari, a nobleman who tried to flaunt his wealth and influence. By the way, the palace came out amazing beauty. Even the most sophisticated critics could not find flaws in it, calling it the most successful example of Gothic in Venice.
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Francesco also believed that he was building a real family residence, which would be occupied by his heirs and their descendants for many centuries. However, his dream was not destined to come true: in the 19th century, the palace served as a barracks for soldiers, the proximity to which had an extremely negative impact on the building. And after a long and painstaking restoration, which was completed in 2005, Foscari Palace turned into the residence of a higher educational institution.
Palazzo Labia
Some time ago, namely in the 18th century, this stunning palace was considered the family home of the richest Labia family in the city, who invited the most talented architects of the city on the water, Alessandro Treminion and Andrea Cominelli, to create a project for the construction of the city's most talented architects. However, soon a wealthy family, who enjoyed high life and increased public attention with might and main, went bankrupt and lost the palazzo, which passed into the possession of Prince Lobkowicz. But the representative of the nobility quickly sold the palace to the Israeli fund of Koenigsber. After that, the palace was used for various purposes: it was a sawmill, a textile factory, and a clothes dryer. In the 1960s, it was acquired by the Italian radio and television company RAI, which made its office in the palace.
Palazzo Dario
Selecting the most interesting and beautiful of the numerous palaces of Venice is a very difficult task. However, it is simply impossible not to mention the Palazzo Dario. Its facade, like many other palaces, faces the Grand Canal, showing everyone and everyone its unusually bright color of marble.
It was built in 1487 in the classical Renaissance style by order of Giovanni Dario, a member of the Venetian nobility who served as secretary of Venice. By the way, the inhabitants of the city call this building the “cursed palace”, because of the numerous failures and tragedies that befell the Dario family, as well as other owners and guests of the palace. The Venetians find it difficult even to calculate the number of inhabitants who died here by an absurd death, diligently avoiding this place.
Palazzo Dandolo
Palazzo Dandolo is widely known outside magnificent city on the water, which it has adorned since the 1400s. This beautiful building once belonged to the Dandolo family, from where it got its name. But very soon, family members decided to sell the palace to another eminent family - Gritti, thereby launching a long history of sales and purchases of this place from one hand to another. It seemed that the rich and nobles who bought the palazzo were simply not ready to pay for its maintenance, and therefore they sold it to their friends and acquaintances.
This continued until the 1630s, until the palace was acquired by people who made it the most popular gambling house in the city, introducing the rule to play in masks so as not to experience shame in front of those present with large losses.
However, after some time, the casino had to be closed at the insistence of the authorities, and its owner had to flee. Now Palazzo Dandolo is home to the luxurious Hotel Danieli.
Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace, Palazzo Ducale)
Palazzo Ducale, also known as, is perhaps one of the " business cards» Venice. The permanent residence of the Doge was built in 1424 by Filippo Calendario in the style of exquisite Italian Gothic. For many centuries, the Doge's Palace was the very heart and symbol of the political life of the Venetian Republic.
However, when it fell in 1797, the purpose of this majestic building also changed. From that moment on, it served for different purposes, was the home of various administrative divisions. By the end of the 19th century, the palace gradually began to fall into decay, and the city administration allocated an impressive amount of funds for its restoration and restoration.
Almost all government services that occupied the premises here were moved to other buildings. Only the State Committee for the Protection of Objects Remained cultural heritage. In 1923, the Italian government, which owns this architectural monument, decided to open a museum inside the Doge's Palace, which still operates today.
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At any time of the year, even if the weather is not too happy for the guests of the city, central part Rome is filled with a huge number of people. Even those who have already been to Rome more than once cannot deny themselves the pleasure of visiting the most famous of the numerous squares of the city - Piazza Venezia. Piazza Venezia - that's what they call it great place where most Roman tour guides start hiking trails.
However, tourists who come to Rome often visit Piazza Venezia on their own to enjoy its splendor without haste, enjoy contemplating the amazing beauty of the Venetian Palace, admire the main attraction of the square - a grandiose monument towering in its center.
This majestic monument was erected in honor of Vittoria Emanuele, the first king of United Italy. Marble benches are installed along the perimeter of the square, inviting tired travelers to sit down, and parked carts await those wishing to take a walk around Rome on horseback.
Where did the name of the square come from?
Piazza Venezia owes its name to magnificent palace, erected in 1455 by decree of Pietro Barbo, the Venetian cardinal. Subsequently, he became known under the name of Pope Paul II. The creator of the palace project was the architect Leon Battista Alberti, well-known in those years, and Bernardo Rosselino supervised its construction.
In Italy in the 15th century, building materials cost a lot of money, and the country's financial situation was not very good. Therefore, most of the palace was built from ancient Roman buildings. Even became the material for the construction of the palace of Venice. 
Over the years that have passed since the completion of construction, the Venice Palace has been used for various purposes, has changed a solid number of owners. Now the Palace building houses two museums. Chief among them - National Museum specializing in the preservation of decorative arts. However, a much larger number of tourists visit the Chere Museum, which houses wax figures of famous personalities, as well as a recreated interior of an office owned by Mussolini.
What else attracts tourists to Piazza Venezia?
Each of the tourists pays attention to the Basilica of San Marco, also included in palace complex. Since it was rebuilt many times, its original appearance has not been preserved. Now its main decoration is an ensemble consisting of three arches and a loggia, as well as a magnificent mosaic depicting Jesus Christ and the apostles.
As already mentioned, the Vittoriano monument is an integral part of the square. Its construction, which ended in 1911, took about 25 years. The ensemble was completed in 1935, when the composition was supplemented by a monument to the unknown soldier, called the Altar of the Fatherland.
Several floors of this building are occupied by a museum dedicated to the history of Italy, and in its upper part there is observation deck with a magnificent view of the street of Rome. Walking along Piazza Venezia, you can visit several more interesting museums.
How to get there?
Finding Piazza Venezia in Rome is easy. It is close to Terimini Station and for those who are not too fond of walking tours can be reached by bus. Buses with numbers 175, 50, 64 go from the station to Piazza Venezia. If you use the metro, the Colosseo or Cavour station will be the final destination of the trip. Piazza Venezia is a 10-minute leisurely walk from them.
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It is famous not only for its canals, but also for a huge number of palaces. The palaces of Venice are mostly mansions built by influential Venetian families. For the construction and subsequent decoration of palaces, eminent architects, artists, sculptors were attracted, who created majestic buildings in the Romanesque, Gothic, Byzantine styles.
In the days of the Venetian Republic, only the Doge's Palace had the right to be called a palace, while the rest of the buildings were called Ca - an abbreviation for the word Casa, meaning "house" or "mansion". Later, the Venetian palaces began to be called "palazzo".
Most of palaces of Venice located in the city center along the banks of the Grand Canal - their facades have faded a little from time and constant exposure to moisture, but still retain traces of their former grandeur. Many palaces have their own secrets, stories or legends. Each of Venetian palazzos deserves attention, but to cover everything within one tourist trip almost impossible, so you should pay attention to the most interesting ones.
Palazzo Pesaro
The Pesaro Palace was built in the second half of the 17th century for the Pesaro family. The author of the palazzo is the famous Italian architect Baldassare Longena, who managed to harmoniously fit the powerful architectural structure into the graceful and elegant image of Venice.
After completion of construction interior interiors The palace underwent changes for a long time - they were decorated with frescoes, stucco, paintings by Italian painters.
Pesaro Palace was built in the second half of the 17th century
After Pesaro, Gradenigo became the owners of the palace, and then the Duchess Felechita Bevilacua la Masa, who transferred the building to the municipality. In 1902, the International Gallery of Modern Art opened in Palazzo Pesaro, and a few years later, the Museum of Oriental Arts.
Palazzo Dandolo
Palazzo Dandolo, like most of the palaces in Venice, is located on the Grand Canal. This magnificent building was erected by the Dandolo family in 1400. During its history, the palace has changed many owners - every hundred years the palazzo passed into new hands.
Presumably, the reason for the sale of the palace was too high maintenance costs, unbearable for its inhabitants. Dandolo sold the palazzo to the Gritti family, then the baton passed to the Michele family, then Mocenigo, and after them - Bernando.
Today, the Royal Danieli Hotel is located in Palazzo Dandolo
In the 17th century, the famous gambling house was opened in the Dandolo Palace - it was visited by noble dignitaries and nobles, who hid their faces under masks. Currently, the five-star hotel Royal Danieli is located in the palazzo, in different time Charles Dickens, Charlie Chaplin, Honore de Balzac, George Sand, Greta Garbo stayed there.
Palazzo Foscari
Palazzo Foscari is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture that once belonged to Doge Francesco Foscari. majestic building The palace was built on the site of the House with Two Towers, an old building owned by Bernardo Giustinian.
The Foscari Palace was supposed to become a symbol of the wealth and greatness of its owner, but he himself did not live in the residence for long - due to tragic history Francesco left his post with his son and died a week later.
Palazzo Foscari - a magnificent example of Gothic architecture
The amazingly beautiful palace in the 19th century served as a soldier's barracks, which did not have a very favorable effect on its decoration. Today, Palazzo Foscari houses the University of Venice, more precisely, two of its four faculties - foreign languages and economics.
The interior of the palace is decorated with ancient frescoes, unique stucco, magnificent sculptures - they can be seen during.
Palazzo Dario
From Palazzo Dario, one of the most mysterious palaces of Venice, a gloomy story is connected: most of its owners suffered misfortunes, and some died under tragic circumstances.
Dario's mansion was built on the banks of the Grand Canal in 1487 for Giovanni Dario, the ambassador of Venice to Constantinople, who won the respect of his fellow citizens thanks to victories in the diplomatic field.
After the death of the ambassador, his daughter became the owner of the palace, whose husband was the patrician Vincenzo Barbaro, a vicious and quick-tempered man. Probably due to a difficult relationship with her husband, Marietta Dario did not live to be 20 years old. A few years after her death, Dario's nephews died under unclear circumstances.
Most of the owners of the palace of Dario suffered tragedies and misfortunes
The owners of the palace were the English explorer and historian Rodon Brown, the writer Isabella de Beaume-Pluvinel, as well as a family of major Italian industrialists, whose head shot himself after a corruption scandal.
Doge's Palace
Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, located on - the most majestic palace of venice, which is a symbol of her power and glory. During its existence, the palace has been the Senate, the Supreme Court, the seat of the Council of the Republic and the Maritime Department.
The first building of the palace was built over a thousand years ago - it was destroyed by fire, and then rebuilt in the 15th century. A hundred years later, in 1577, a fire broke out in the palace again, destroying one wing of the building, which, however, was restored a few years later.
Doge's Palace - a kind of symbol of the power and glory of Venice
Visitors to the Doge's Palace are delighted and surprised by the majestic Hall of the Great Council - a huge room, the ceiling of which is not supported by anything, the Hall of Maps, decorated the most beautiful cards the work of the best masters of Italy, the magnificent front rooms, to which the Golden Staircase leads. The premises of the Doge's Palace are decorated with masterpieces of Italian painters and sculptors.
The Doge's Palace is considered one of the main and most visited attractions in Italy, and therefore on BlogoItaliano we dedicated it
